How to Buy a Football That Meets Your Needs
What’s the best football for beginners? What’s the best football for people on a budget? And what’s the best option for people who simply want to enjoy regular kickabouts on the street?
These are all questions we’re asked on a regular basis here at The Soccer Store. That’s why we decided to create our guide on how to buy a football that meets your needs.
To get you started, we have created a list of issues to consider when you’re searching for the best footballs on the market today. We’ve then selected our top choices for a range of needs and scenarios.
What to Consider When You Buy a Football
Not all footballs are created equally. So, before you part with your hard-earned, here are a few issues you might want to bear in mind.
Purpose: Understand why you're buying the football. Is it for casual kickabouts, professional matches, training sessions or beach games? The purpose will dictate the kind of ball you should consider.
Surface: Different footballs are designed for different surfaces - turf, hard ground, soft ground, indoor and beach. Ensure the ball is compatible with where you intend to play. Most standard footballs are designed to be used on grass or popular artificial playing surfaces.
Size: Footballs come in various sizes. Typically, Size 5 is used for adults, Size 4 for youth (ages 8-12), and smaller sizes for younger children. Make sure you get the right size for your age group.
Material: Some balls are made from synthetic leather, while others might be rubber or a combination. For professional matches, opt for synthetic leather as it offers a better feel and enhanced durability.
Price vs. Quality: Don't be lured by cheap prices alone. It's crucial to balance cost with quality. While top-tier match balls can be pricey, they offer better performance and last longer. However, for casual games or training, mid-range balls are more than sufficient.
Brands: Renowned brands such as Mitre have established reputations for quality. While they might come at a premium, their products are generally reliable.
Reviews: Before finalising your purchase, read user reviews. These can provide valuable insights into the ball's performance and durability.
By keeping these points in mind, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision, ensuring you buy the perfect football for your needs.
The Best Footballs for Every Requirement and Scenario
Whether you’re an FA-affiliated football coach or someone who likes the occasional kickabout, buying the best football for your needs is crucial.
The Best Football for Street Games
Firstly, consider the durability of the ball since street surfaces like tarmac can be rough and might wear out a typical grass-field ball quickly. Opt for footballs designed specifically for hard surfaces or street play, such as those offered by Mitre.
It’s also important to consider the ball's grip — ensuring it provides adequate traction on asphalt or concrete. Size is another crucial aspect; generally, a size 5 football is suitable for adults, but if children are playing, you might want to go for a smaller size.
For street football, we recommend the Mitre Calcio 2.0 Training Football. Affordable and hardwearing, it’s the perfect option for occasional kickabouts on the street.
The Best Football for League Competitions
When it comes to league competitions and serious games, nothing but the best quality and durability will do. It’s also important to consider performance. That’s why we recommend the Mitre Ultimax Evo FIFA Match Football, which has been endorsed for performance by FIFA.
The Best Football for Beach Football
Let’s face it; you’re not going to get much bounce on a sandy beach. That’s why we recommend a ball that requires enhanced control and skill levels. If you’re looking for the perfect ball for friendly games of beach soccer, consider the Mitro Ultimatch Futsal Football — which features optimum abrasion resistance.
The Best Football for Training
Fortunately, The Soccer Store is home to a wide selection of training footballs — all of which strike the perfect balance between durability and affordability. Take the Mitre Impel, for example, which is one of the best-selling training balls for grassroots football in the UK. Buy a pack of 10 for the best possible value.
The Best Football for Beginners
Available in three sizes, our top choice for beginners is the Mitre Impel Max. This great all-rounder offers all the quality and performance you’d expect from Mitre — at a price that won’t break the bank. It’s a training ball, but its hardwearing outer layer makes it perfect for playing on drives, yards, streets and anywhere suited to learning the basics of the game.
The Best Football for Young Children
If your young child is new to the game, you probably want to get started without spending too much on a new football. If you’re developing a child’s skills for the first time, we recommend the Mitre Impel Midi Training Ball, which is a Size 2 offering that includes the ‘Vimini’ outer casing for enhanced grip and control.
The Best Football for Indoor Play
If you’re looking for a reliable performer for all your five and six-a-side games, the Mitre Ultimatch Indoor Football ticks all the boxes. Featuring a 20-panel design and a high-vis felt outer layer, it’s ideal for sports halls of all types and sizes.
You will never get maximum enjoyment out of the beautiful game unless you have the right football at your disposal. Check out our entire range at The Soccer Store for a multitude of options.