Are women’s footballs lighter than mens? There’s been a lot of debate lately about whether this is true. So, we did some digging to try and get to the bottom of this hot-button issue. Here’s what we found out.
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Table of Contents
- 1 Are women’s footballs lighter than men’s?
- 2 What size football do women use?
- 3 Is the women’s soccer ball lighter?
- 4 What size football do women play with?
- 5 What size football do I need?
- 6 Difference sizes of football.
- 7 What ball did the women use in the Euros 2022?
- 8 Are professional soccer balls lighter?
- 9 Are mens and women’s footballs the same?
- 10 Why do they put initials on a football?
- 11 Which brand makes the best soccer balls?
- 12 The final score.
- 13 This article was written by
Are women’s footballs lighter than men’s?
There’s a common misconception that women’s soccer balls are lighter than men’s.
After all, isn’t everything designed for women supposed to be smaller and lighter?
Well, that might be the case for some things, but not for soccer balls. In fact, both men’s and women’s soccer balls are the same size: size 5.
If you’re under 18, the ball gets smaller and lighter. For example, a size 3 ball is for children ages 8 and under, and a size 4 ball is for ages 9-14.
So, if you’re seeing smaller balls on the pitch during a women’s game, it’s because the players are younger, not because they’re female!
What size football do women use?
In the UK, the size of football that women use is a size five. Exactly the same as the men’s!
The size five football is also the official ball of FIFA, the international governing body of association football.
It’s around 20 percent larger than a size four football and has a circumference of 28 to 29 inches.
Made from leather or synthetic materials, most balls have 32 panels. A size five football is used for all levels of competitive play, including the World Cup.
This is the standard size for all professional and international matches, as well as for most amateur games.
Is the women’s soccer ball lighter?
No. A size five soccer ball is the same size for both men and women and is the official ball of FIFA.
The circumference is 27-28 inches and and the weight is between 14-16 ounces.
The only time you’ll see a smaller ball on the field is when the players are younger children.
What size football do women play with?
Women play with a size 5 regulation football, just like the men.
What size football do I need?
On June 1st 2020, The FA introduced new guidance about heading footballs and what size you should be using for what age.
This helpful video explains all and shows you where on the ball to find the right age too. (You’ll have to turn it up a bit!)
Difference sizes of football.
This fab infographic shows you all the right ages, sizes and weights for football, whatever gender you identify with!
View the complete guide (via FOOTY.COM).
What ball did the women use in the Euros 2022?
That thing of beauty that we saw bouncing around the pitch in the Women’s Euros was called a Nike Flight Ball.
The Nike Flight Ball was developed over eight years with more than 1700 hours put into its making!
It uses Aerowscurt technology which moulds grooves onto surfaces to disrupt airflow and give players better control.
All Conditions Control ensures a grippy texture no matter what type of weather we experience today (or even if there are three different types!).
And don’t forget about 3D printed ink; this special design allows you hit your target every time.
But just try getting your hands on one!
There were two versions of the ball on sale while the Euros were happening.
A replica football was designed in the same colours and made from rubber and polyester. This would set you back around £32.
These sold out fast!
The other was the ‘premium’ official match ball that’s made from leather, rubber, polyester and cotton and cost an eye-watering £120!
These also sold out fast!
We never got our hands on one and you’ll find them now over on eBay selling for over £2,000! So maybe we never will.
(If anyone would like to send one to us, please do!)
Are professional soccer balls lighter?
You might think that professional footballs might be different to the ones you or I would train and play with.
But no, the only difference is in the material.
A professional quality ball will have a core made from latex or butyl rubber. They’re also covered in stitched leather or synthetic materials.
The balls used in training are usually made from PVC and have a foam core to make them lighter.
This means they can fly further when being hit for long passes and still be light enough for players to control easily.
Are mens and women’s footballs the same?
The size five football is the same for both men and women.
The only time you’ll see a smaller ball on the field is when the players are younger children.
What’s inside a soccer ball?
If you’ve ever been lucky enough to accidentally pop a soccer ball, you’ll know that inside there’s a whole lot of air!
Balls are made from an inner bladder (usually latex or butyl rubber) which is filled with air.
This is then covered in stitched leather or synthetic materials and has a grip surface to help players control the ball.
The material and construction of the ball affects how it moves through the air and bounces.
Softer materials will absorb more energy when they hit something, like a player’s foot, and won’t bounce as high. Harder materials will reflect more energy and bounce higher.
Balls with a textured surface can also help players control the ball better in wet or muddy conditions.
Why do they put initials on a football?
You might have noticed that some balls have a bunch of random letters on them, like FIFA’s official match ball for the 2018 World Cup.
These are the manufacturing company’s initials and indicate that the ball has passed FIFA’s quality standards and can be used in official competitions.
FIFA have their own logo which is also stamped onto balls that meet their standards.
Which brand makes the best soccer balls?
There’s a lot of debate about who makes the best football or soccer balls! But usually it comes down to personal preference in the end.
Some of the most popular brands are Adidas, Nike, Mitre, Puma and Umbro. At Kit Queen we’re partial to a Nike team ball in Kit Queen blue!
The final score.
So, whether you’re looking for a new ball to play with this summer or need to purchase one for an upcoming game, make sure you know the difference in sizes and what material is best suited for your needs.
Remember – it’s size five if you’re over 18 and most importantly…there’s no such thing as women’s footballs!
