Football Size Guide UK: Sizes 1–5 Explained
Footballs come in five main sizes, and the right one depends on who is playing. A ball that is too big or heavy makes control harder for young players, while a ball that is too small feels wrong in an adult match. This guide explains each football size, the age groups that use it in England, and what to think about when ordering branded footballs for a club, school or campaign.
Football sizes at a glance
| Ball size | Who uses it | Circumference | Typical weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size 5 | Under 14 to adult (Year 9 and up) | 68–70 cm | 410–450 g |
| Size 4 | Under 12 and Under 13 (Years 7 and 8) | 63.5–66 cm | around 350–390 g |
| Size 3 | Under 7 to Under 11 (Years 2 to 6) | 58–61 cm | around 300–340 g |
| Size 2 | Under 6 and younger | around 55–56 cm | around 250–280 g |
| Size 1 | All ages, as a mini or skills ball | around 46–51 cm | around 200 g |
The Size 5 figures come from the Laws of the Game. Youth and mini ball weights vary a little between manufacturers, so check the specification of the exact ball you are buying.
What changed for the 2026/27 season
From the 2026/27 season, England Football's Future Fit changes link ball size to match format, so each format uses one ball size. Size 3 now covers every age from Under 7 to Under 11 (3v3, 5v5 and 7v7). Size 4 is used for 9v9 at Under 12 and Under 13. Size 5 starts at Under 14, at the same time as 11v11 on a full-size pitch.
That means many older size charts are now out of date. If a chart puts Under 11s on a Size 4, it reflects the previous guidance. For the latest rules, check your league or the England Football Future Fit FAQs.
Size 5: the full-size football
Size 5 is the official ball for adult football and for youth teams from Under 14. It is also the default choice for most promotional footballs aimed at adults, such as staff events, corporate tournaments and fan merchandise. Panel construction (for example 32, 30, 26, 18 or 6 panels) changes the look and the space available for branding, not the size.
Size 4: for 9v9 youth football
Size 4 sits between the junior and adult balls. Under Future Fit it is used by Under 12 and Under 13 teams playing 9v9. Clubs ordering kit bags or training balls for these age groups should choose Size 4 rather than a full-size ball.
Size 3: for younger players and primary schools
Size 3 is the ball for most children's football in England, from Under 7 to Under 11. It suits primary school sport, holiday camps and junior club training. For schools buying branded footballs, Size 3 is usually the safest single choice for Years 2 to 6.
Size 2: for early years
Size 2 is a recreational ball for the youngest children, typically Under 6. It is light and easy to kick, so it works well for nurseries, family fun days and first footballs.
Size 1: mini and skills footballs
Size 1 is the mini football. It is used at every age for footwork and coordination drills, and it is one of the most popular promotional footballs because it is easy to hand out, post and display. Our mini footballs are a Size 1 with a 12-panel construction.
Choosing branded footballs by audience
- Grassroots clubs and academies: match the size to each age group's format, and order Size 3, 4 and 5 separately if you run several teams.
- Schools: Size 3 suits most primary pupils, Size 4 suits Years 7 and 8, and Size 5 suits older students.
- Corporate events and fan merchandise: Size 5 for playable balls, or Size 1 mini footballs for giveaways and displays.
- Charity and community campaigns: mini footballs are cost-effective in larger quantities and easy to distribute.
What affects the quote?
- Ball size, panel construction and material.
- Quantity and the minimum order for the chosen football.
- Artwork, print positions and colour matching.
- Packaging and delivery requirements.
- Your required in-hand date.
Tell us the size, quantity and use, and we will confirm the available options, minimums and lead time for your footballs.
Common questions
What size football does a 10-year-old use? In England, an Under 10 or Under 11 player uses a Size 3 from the 2026/27 season.
When do players move to a Size 5? Under Future Fit, players move to a Size 5 at Under 14, when they start playing 11v11.
Is a Size 5 the same for every panel style? Yes. A Size 5 football is 68–70 cm in circumference whether it has 32, 26 or 6 panels. Panel construction changes the design and branding area.
Can you make branded footballs in smaller sizes? Tell us the size you need and we will confirm what is available for your design and quantity.
Order your branded footballs
Browse our custom footballs, use the Design Your Own Football tool to choose size, panels and artwork, or request a quote. We reply to every enquiry within 24 hours with options and a free digital mock-up.
Ready to put your brand on the ball? Send us your brief and we'll do the rest.