10 Best Soccer Balls for Kids Ages 8-12: Affordable Options for Budding Athletes

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As your child steps onto the field, their eyes light up with anticipation, ready to conquer the game. But to truly excel, they need the right tool in their hands – a soccer ball that matches their energy and skill.

With so many options available, finding the perfect fit can be overwhelming. But fear not, we've researched and curated a list of the 10 best soccer balls for kids aged 8-12, all within an affordable range.

Each one is designed to enhance their performance and enjoyment on the field, but which one will be the ideal choice for your budding athlete?

Key Takeaways

• The Franklin Sports MLS Tornado Soccer Ball with Air Pump is a popular option for youth soccer, offering superior flight and control with a durable design. However, there have been some complaints about deflation and missing pumps.
• The Soccer Training Equipment Kit with Cones, Balls, and Carry Bag provides a comprehensive set of training tools, including durable soccer balls and brightly colored cones for visibility. However, it may be relatively expensive compared to other options.
• The PP PICADOR Size 4 Soccer Ball for Kids with Pump and the PP PICADOR Kids Glitter Shiny Sequins Soccer Ball with Pump are both attractive options for engaging kids in sports. However, there have been some concerns about size discrepancies and durability.
• The Poslon Kids Soccer Goal Net Set with Carry Bag offers an effortless setup and high-quality materials for durability. However, there have been some difficulties reported with disassembling and packing the net.

Franklin Sports MLS Tornado Soccer Ball with Air Pump

The Franklin Sports MLS Tornado Soccer Ball with Air Pump is designed specifically for kids ages 8-12, making it an ideal choice for young soccer enthusiasts looking to enhance their skills and enjoy the game. This official size 3 and weight soccer ball features a molded 12-panel design, offering superior aerodynamic flight and control. The high gloss TPU cover provides excellent abrasion resistance, ensuring durability during training, scrimmages, and tournament play.

With a foam cushioning system for a soft touch and a long-lasting air retention Butyl bladder for consistency, this ball is perfect for toddlers, boys, and girls. The package includes an inflation pump for convenient use. With positive reviews praising its quality, durability, and vibrant colors, this ball is a suitable choice for beginners and makes a great gift for children.

Best For: Parents looking for a durable and high-quality soccer ball for children ages 8-12.

Pros:

• Official size and weight for youth soccer
• Superior aerodynamic flight and control with a molded 12-panel design
• High gloss TPU cover for excellent abrasion resistance

Cons:

• Some customers received the ball deflated or without a pump

Soccer Training Equipment Kit with Cones, Balls, and Carry Bag

For kids aged 8-12, the Soccer Training Equipment Kit with Cones, Balls, and Carry Bag is designed to enhance soccer skills and agility. It includes thicken official size 4 soccer balls and 20 flexible cones. The thicken official size 4 soccer balls are made of thickened EVA leather with 2-Ply butyl bladder. The 20 soccer cones are equipped with strap-flexible for easy carrying and storage. The bright color of the cones provides good visibility during outdoor practice. This kit can also be used as soccer goal posts, agility cones, or other sports equipment. This makes it suitable for beginners and elite athletes to improve soccer skills.

Additionally, the large capacity carry backpack, with its drawstring design, makes it convenient for carrying the entire training set to the playground or gym. It can hold the entire training set for easy transportation with fellow players.

Best For: Parents looking to enhance their kids' soccer skills and agility with high-quality training equipment.

Pros:

• Thicken official size 4 soccer balls made of durable materials for long-lasting use.
• Brightly colored cones for good visibility during outdoor practice.
• Convenient large capacity carry backpack for easy transportation.

Cons:

• May be relatively expensive compared to other soccer training kits.

PP PICADOR Size 4 Soccer Ball for Kids with Pump (Camouflage Pink)

Ideal for kids aged 8-12, the PP PICADOR Size 4 Soccer Ball with Pump in Camouflage Pink offers a durable and water-resistant design, perfect for indoor and outdoor play. Made of synthetic leather, this soccer ball provides water resistance and durability, making it suitable for smooth wood floors, lawns, turf, and backyards.

The soft-touch design with good grip makes it ideal for training, learning, and practicing, helping to develop and strengthen soccer skills. The included ball pump ensures easy maintenance and long-lasting use. Additionally, this soccer ball teaches life skills such as teamwork, respect, confidence, and hard work.

Despite some feedback on size discrepancy and durability issues, the majority of customers have praised the ball's appearance and packaging. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, this soccer ball is a suitable option for your budding athlete.

Best For: Kids aged 8-12 who are looking to develop and strengthen their soccer skills with a durable and water-resistant soccer ball suitable for both indoor and outdoor play.

Pros:

• Durable and water-resistant synthetic leather construction
• Soft-touch design with good grip for training
• Teaches important life skills such as teamwork and confidence

Cons:

• Some feedback on size discrepancy and durability issues

PP PICADOR Kids Glitter Shiny Sequins Soccer Ball with Pump

Looking for a soccer ball that engages kids aged 4-8 in sports while ensuring durability and safety? The PP PICADOR Kids Glitter Shiny Sequins Soccer Ball with Pump offers an attractive and engaging design to capture children's interest in the game.

This ball, made with durable TPU and eco-friendly rubber, provides a soft touch and high durability, perfect for teaching fundamental soccer skills.

The ball comes deflated with a pump included, making it convenient for immediate use. Suitable for outdoor play on grass and in the backyard, this size 3 ball is also ideal for family and social gatherings.

With positive customer feedback on its glittery design and quality, the PP PICADOR Kids Glitter Shiny Sequins Soccer Ball with Pump is a great option for introducing young kids to the joy of soccer.

Best For: Parents looking for an engaging and durable soccer ball to introduce their 4-8 year old children to the game.

Pros:

• Attractive design to engage kids in sports
• Made with durable TPU and eco-friendly rubber
• Comes deflated with a pump included

Cons:

• Some customers mention the ball being larger than advertised

Poslon Kids Soccer Goal Net Set with Carry Bag

The Poslon Kids Soccer Goal Net Set with Carry Bag provides children and teenagers with a durable and easy-to-use soccer goal suitable for both indoor and outdoor play. This orange-colored goal with a black net is designed for convenience, featuring folded dimensions of 3.5ft*3ft and unfolded dimensions of 4ft*3ft*3ft.

The setup is effortless, allowing for instant play, thanks to reinforced fiberglass poles and a durable 5 ply dacron net. The set also includes a carry bag for easy transportation and storage. With strong customer service backing the product, you can trust in its quality. The dimensions of the package are 17.48 x 8.74 x 5.51 inches, and it weighs 2.26 kilograms, making it portable for your convenience. Plus, with a 2-year warranty, you can have peace of mind about your purchase.

Best For: Children and teenagers looking for a durable and easy-to-use soccer goal for indoor and outdoor play

Pros:

• Effortless setup and instant play
• High-quality materials for durability
• Convenient folding and storage

Cons:

• Some difficulties in disassembling and packing

Size 4 Soccer Ball Glitter Pink for Kids and Teens

For kids and teens aged 8-12, the Size 4 Soccer Ball Glitter Pink offers a durable and attractive option for outdoor sports training and recreation. The glitter appearance makes it appealing to both boys and girls, encouraging an active lifestyle and skill development. Made of TPU leather, it provides improved softness, bounce, and durability, while the industry-standard butyl rubber bladder ensures good air retention and shape preservation.

This official size 4 soccer ball for children and youth aged 5-13 has a circumference of 25 inches and weighs 12 ounces. The Champhox brand ensures quality, and customer reviews praise the ball's size and weight for young children, its durability, and eye-catching holographic design. However, some concerns were raised about loose threads and sturdiness, while others felt disappointed with the packaging.

Overall, it's a unique and sturdy soccer ball that adds fun and excitement to soccer practice.

Best For: The Size 4 Soccer Ball Glitter Pink is best for young children and teens aged 8-12 who are looking for a durable and attractive soccer ball for outdoor sports training and recreation.

Pros:

• Eye-catching holographic design that appeals to both boys and girls
• Provides improved softness, bounce, and durability
• Official size 4 soccer ball suitable for children and youth aged 5-13

Cons:

• Some concerns about loose threads and sturdiness

Aoneky Soccer Ball with Pump

Ideal for kids aged 8-12, the Aoneky Soccer Ball with Pump offers a durable PVC construction and includes a ball pump for easy inflation. This machine-stitched soccer ball has a synthetic leather cover, making it suitable for recreational use. It ships flat and requires inflation, but the included ball pump simplifies the process.

With a diameter of 7 inches and a weight of 7.04 ounces, it's designed for young athletes. Customer reviews highlight its value and suitability for young players. However, some users have reported issues with the included pump. This soccer ball has received a 4.3 out of 5-star rating based on 5,840 ratings.

If you're looking for a reliable soccer ball with a pump for your budding athlete, the Aoneky Soccer Ball with Pump could be a practical choice.

Best For: Young soccer players aged 8-12 who are looking for a durable and easy-to-inflate soccer ball for recreational use.

Pros:

• Durable PVC construction
• Includes a ball pump for easy inflation
• Suitable for young athletes aged 8-12

Cons:

• Some users reported issues with the included pump

GlowCity Glow in The Dark Soccer Ball with LED Lights

With its durable rubber exterior and 2 LED lights for up to 30 hours of evening play, the GlowCity Glow in The Dark Soccer Ball with LED Lights is the perfect sports gift for kids ages 8-12. The impact-activated LED lights illuminate the ball with every kick or bounce, making it an exciting choice for evening games. The ball comes with 2 pre-installed batteries and clear instructions for easy setup. Its sturdy construction ensures the lights are securely encased, providing long-lasting fun.

This official size 5 soccer ball is designed for both boys and girls, adding an extra element of excitement to their soccer matches. The positive customer reviews praise its performance, durability, and brightness, making it a highly recommended choice for young athletes.

Best For: Kids aged 8-12 who enjoy evening soccer games and want to add an extra element of excitement to their matches.

Pros:

• Durable rubber exterior ensures long-lasting use
• Impact-activated LED lights provide a fun and exciting visual effect
• Clear instructions and pre-installed batteries make for easy setup

Cons:

• Some customers received deflated balls that required inflation

WILSON Traditional Soccer Ball

The WILSON Traditional Soccer Ball is an excellent choice for kids aged 8-12 looking for a dependable soccer ball. It offers durability and reliable performance with its synthetic leather cover and butyl rubber bladder. The size 3 ball features traditional panel graphics with silver accents and is designed for recreational use. It delivers balanced weight and reliable flight, making it suitable for use in the backyard, on the street, or on the pitch.

The machine-sewn construction ensures durability, contributing to its ability to retain air and shape. The butyl rubber bladder is responsible for the consistent performance of the ball, making it suitable for players of all levels. With over 18,000 reviews and a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, the WILSON Traditional Soccer Ball has garnered praise for its quality and durability. It is a popular choice among young soccer enthusiasts.

Best For: Kids aged 8-12 looking for a dependable and durable soccer ball for recreational use.

Pros:

• Durable synthetic leather cover
• Excellent air and shape retention with butyl rubber bladder
• Traditional panel graphics with silver accents

Cons:

• May get scratched easily

Forever Champ Kids Soccer Goals for Backyard

Looking for a complete soccer set that's perfect for kids aged 8-12 and offers easy setup and portability? The Forever Champ Kids Soccer Goals for Backyard is an ideal choice.

This complete set includes a 4×3 pop-up soccer net, ball, pump, stakes, cones, and a carrying bag, providing everything your budding athlete needs to practice at home, the park, or the beach.

Made from quality Oxford fabric with sturdy fiberglass frames, the soccer goal is durable and able to withstand regular use. The 4×3-feet soccer net is portable yet provides ample fun for kids, and the stable frame comes with stakes for enhanced stability, even in windy conditions.

Additionally, the set includes a target to help kids develop shooting accuracy and precision. With positive customer reviews and a focus on value for money, the Forever Champ Kids Soccer Goals for Backyard is a fantastic option for young soccer enthusiasts.

Best For: Kids aged 8-12 who want a portable and durable soccer goal set for backyard practice and fun.

Pros:

• Complete set with everything needed for practice
• Portable and easy to set up
• Helps kids develop soccer skills and confidence

Cons:

• Some customers experienced issues with the ball pump and missing cones

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cheap Soccer Ball for Kids 8-12

When choosing a cheap soccer ball for kids 8-12, you need to consider several factors.

First, look at the size and weight of the ball to ensure it's appropriate for their age group.

Next, consider the material durability, air retention quality, and included accessories.

Lastly, ensure the design is age-appropriate to maximize their enjoyment and development.

Size and Weight

When choosing a cheap soccer ball for kids aged 8-12, consider the size and weight as crucial factors in their development and enjoyment of the game.

For kids in this age range, sizes 3 and 4 are suitable, with size 3 being ideal for younger players. The weight of soccer balls for kids aged 8-12 typically ranges from 12 to 16 ounces, providing a manageable weight for young athletes to handle.

Additionally, the circumference of the soccer ball should be taken into account, as size 3 has a smaller circumference, making it easier for younger kids to control and play with.

The materials used in the construction of the soccer ball also impact its weight, feel, and durability, so consider options made of synthetic leather, TPU, or PVC.

Proper inflation to the recommended pressure is essential for optimal performance and playability.

Material Durability

Considering the importance of material durability in your selection of a soccer ball for kids 8-12, it's essential to focus on factors that ensure the ball can withstand rough play and last longer, building upon the crucial size and weight considerations.

Look for materials like TPU cover, synthetic leather, or PVC, providing excellent abrasion resistance and water resistance to endure various playing conditions. The butyl bladder is crucial for long-lasting air retention, maintaining the ball's shape and consistency over time, reducing the need for frequent inflation.

Material quality and construction are also important to ensure the soccer ball can withstand regular use on different surfaces without compromising its performance.

Reading customer reviews about the durability and sturdiness of the soccer ball can offer valuable insights into how well it holds up to use by kids in the 8-12 age range.

Air Retention Quality

Selecting a soccer ball with excellent air retention quality is essential when choosing an affordable option for kids aged 8-12. To ensure consistent inflation over time, opt for balls with butyl or latex bladders, known for superior air retention.

Additionally, consider the construction and design, as high-quality stitching and materials contribute to better air retention. Reading customer reviews can provide insight into the ball's durability and inflation consistency.

Checking for any warranty or guarantee related to air retention can also indicate the manufacturer's confidence in the ball's performance.

Prioritizing air retention quality ensures that the soccer ball will maintain optimal playability for a longer duration, making it a worthwhile investment for budding athletes.

Pump and Accessories

To ensure easy inflation and an enhanced playing experience for kids aged 8-12, consider whether the soccer ball comes with a high-quality pump and other necessary accessories.

When choosing a soccer ball, it's important to check if it includes a pump to facilitate effortless inflation. The quality and effectiveness of the pump are crucial factors to ensure that the ball remains properly inflated for consistent performance.

Additionally, opting for a soccer ball that includes a pump can save you the hassle of purchasing one separately, adding convenience to the overall experience. Customer reviews can provide valuable feedback on the pump's quality and functionality, helping you make an informed decision.

Having a pump included with the soccer ball can significantly impact the enjoyment and convenience of playtime for kids, making it an essential consideration when selecting a soccer ball for this age group.

Age-Appropriate Design

When choosing a cheap soccer ball for kids aged 8-12, ensure that the size and weight are appropriate for their age group, such as size 3 balls for younger children and size 4 for older ones.

Look for age-appropriate designs and colors that are visually appealing and engaging for kids, such as bright colors, glittery designs, or unique patterns.

A soft-touch design and foam cushioning system provide a comfortable and safe playing experience for kids.

Opt for soccer balls made of durable and water-resistant materials, such as synthetic leather or TPU, to enhance longevity and performance.

Additionally, consider purchasing soccer balls that come with a pump for convenient inflation and long-lasting play.

These factors contribute to a positive soccer experience for kids aged 8-12, encouraging their love for the sport.

Visibility and Colors

Considering the importance of visibility during play, prioritize bright and highly visible colors when selecting a soccer ball for kids aged 8-12. Opt for high-visibility colors such as neon, bright yellow, or orange to enhance visibility, especially in low-light conditions. It's also beneficial to consider soccer balls with contrasting colors or patterns to make them stand out on the field.

Avoid colors that blend into the surroundings or may be difficult to spot from a distance. This helps in preventing confusion during games or practice. By choosing colors that are easily distinguishable from the playing surface, you ensure that the ball remains visible and easy to track, allowing young players to focus on their game without struggling to locate the ball.

Value for Money

With visibility being crucial for young players during soccer games, ensuring the durability and additional features of a soccer ball becomes paramount for providing value for money.

When choosing a cheap soccer ball for kids aged 8-12, consider the durability of the ball and its ability to retain air over time. This ensures long-term value for money. Look for additional features like included pumps, cones, or carry bags to maximize the value of the purchase. Checking customer reviews for feedback on the product's longevity and overall quality is also important.

Consider the versatility of the soccer ball or set, such as its suitability for different playing surfaces and age groups, to ensure it serves multiple purposes and grows with the child. Bundled sets that include multiple items like soccer nets, balls, pumps, and carry bags can also maximize the value for money.

Brand Reputation

To assess the brand reputation when selecting a cheap soccer ball for kids aged 8-12, prioritize customer reviews and ratings for insights into product quality and performance. Look for consistent positive feedback on durability, appearance, and overall performance, as these are indicators of a brand's reputation for delivering high-quality products.

Negative feedback regarding issues with packaging, missing components, or product defects can significantly impact customer satisfaction and brand reputation. Additionally, consider the longevity of the brand's reputation, which is influenced by factors such as customer service, warranty, and satisfaction guarantees.

A brand that consistently meets or exceeds customer expectations for quality and performance will likely have a strong reputation, making it a reliable choice for a soccer ball for kids aged 8-12.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Recommended Care and Maintenance Tips for the Soccer Balls Mentioned in the Article?

To maintain your soccer ball, regularly clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid excessive exposure to water and store it in a cool, dry place. Check for any damage and promptly repair it to prolong its lifespan.

Are There Any Specific Age or Skill Level Recommendations for the Soccer Training Equipment Kit With Cones and Balls?

For the soccer training equipment kit with cones and balls, there are no specific age or skill level recommendations. It's designed to be versatile, adaptable to various ages and skill levels. It's a great all-in-one option for budding athletes.

How Long Does the Glow in the Dark Feature of the Glowcity Soccer Ball Last, and Is It Suitable for Nighttime Play?

The glow in the dark feature of the GlowCity soccer ball lasts for several hours and is suitable for nighttime play. It adds fun and visibility during evening games, making it an exciting option for kids.

Can the Wilson Traditional Soccer Ball Be Used for Both Practice and Game Play, or Is It More Suited for Recreational Use?

You can use the Wilson Traditional soccer ball for both practice and game play. It's designed for durability and performance, making it a versatile choice for young athletes. Its classic design also adds a touch of nostalgia to the game.

Are There Any Safety Considerations or Guidelines for Setting up and Using the Forever Champ Kids Soccer Goals for Backyard?

When setting up and using the forever champ kids soccer goals for backyard, ensure they're placed on level ground and properly anchored. Always supervise kids during play to prevent collisions with the goal. Regularly inspect for any wear or damage.

Conclusion

Now that you've seen the top 10 best soccer balls for kids ages 8-12, it's time to make your choice and get your budding athlete out on the field.

Consider the factors like size, material, and price to find the perfect ball for your child. Whether it's a traditional ball or one with LED lights, there's something for every young soccer player.

So, grab a ball, pump it up, and let the games begin!