Gear and sizes
Get the size right before worrying about brands. Size rules come from governing bodies and official brand charts; the models listed are common choices, not paid picks.
Soccer ball
Match/training ball; BC Soccer sets ball size by age group and game format.
| Age / level | Size / spec | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| U6 and younger (Stage 1 Active Start) | Size 3 ball.BC Soccer Small Sided Soccer Development Policy (rev. June 2024): no competitive games at this stage. | Rule |
| U7–U9 (Stage 2 Fundamentals: 3v3 to 7v7) | Size 3 or size 4 ball.BC Soccer policy; maximum field 22 x 30 m (3v3) up to 36 x 55 m (6v6/7v7). | Rule |
| U10–U11 playing 6v6 (Stage 3 Learn to Train) | Size 3 or size 4 ball.BC Soccer policy; maximum field 36 x 55 m. | Rule |
| U10–U11 playing 7v7 (Stage 3 Learn to Train) | Size 4 ball.BC Soccer policy; maximum field 36 x 55 m. | Rule |
| U11–U13 playing 8v8 or 9v9 (Stage 3 Learn to Train) | Size 4 ball.BC Soccer policy; maximum field 55 x 75 m. | Rule |
| U14 and older | Size 5 ball.BC Soccer policy, Stage 7 (Soccer for Life) small-sided formats. | Rule |
| Under 8 (Nike Canada chart) | Size 3 (23–24 in / 58.5–61 cm).Manufacturer guidance; Nike notes youth ball sizes vary by league, so confirm with your league or association. | Rule |
| Ages 8–12 (Nike Canada chart) | Size 4 (25–26 in / 63.5–66 cm).Manufacturer guidance; confirm with your league. | Rule |
| Ages 13+ (Nike Canada chart) | Size 5 (27–28 in / 68–70 cm).Manufacturer guidance; confirm with your league. | Rule |
- WilsonNCAA Vivido Match Soccer BallSize 5: ages 13+ (Wilson size guide), Size 5Brand page
Soccer cleats
Studded footwear for grass or artificial turf; indoor/turf shoes for futsal and indoor play.
Shin guards
Shin protection worn under the socks; part of a player's compulsory equipment under the Laws of the Game.
| Age / level | Size / spec | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| All players (Laws of the Game, Law 4) | Shin guards must be made of a suitable material, be of an appropriate size and be covered by the socks.Players are responsible for choosing shin guards that fit and are suitable. IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 4. | Rule |
Goalkeeper gloves
Padded gloves for goalkeepers, sized by hand/age.
Kids outgrow gear fast, so it doesn't have to be new: used and sports gear stores across Canada · gear swaps
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