information and facts about soccer equipment

the gear you need to play soccer

The game of soccer involves a lot of skill, but not necessarily a lot of equipment.  While the concepts and theories behind soccer can quite simple, playing the sport is far from easy.  Before one even steps onto the field, there are a few pieces of soccer equipment that are required of all players.  These necessities include soccer balls, cleats, and shin guards.

The soccer ball originated from the use of animal bladders.  These bladders were blown up and kicked around by both children and adults in the villages.  Entire villages would have “soccer games” with these makeshift balls.  Then the idea came along to cover the bladder with animal leather, which gave it better shape.  However, the predictability of the soccer ball was still unreliable when kicked because it depended on the size and shape of the bladder.  In the early 1800s, vulcanized rubber was patented, which lead the way to a more predetermined ball control.  Charles Goodyear designed and built the first soccer balls, the H.J. Lindon created the first inflatable rubber “bladder” for the balls, which allowed for even more consistent shape among soccer balls.  Progression of the soccer ball continued and today FIFA, the Federation Internationale de Football Association (Zurich, Switzerland) or Federacion Internacional de Futbol Asociado (Spanish), has standardized the size, weight, and type of balls to be used across the globe, especially in international competition, such as the World Cup.

The four main components of a soccer ball are the bladder, the lining, the cover, and the stitching.  As a ball is being built, size, weight, and type are all important factors.  Soccer balls come in different sizes, and the size of the ball depends on the age group.  For divisions from under five years old to under eight years old the children use a size three soccer ball.  For under ten and under twelve, they use a size 4 soccer ball.  Once a child has reached the under 14 division and higher, they use the regulation size 5 soccer ball.  This size soccer ball is also used in high school, college, and advanced competition.  The types of materials used contribute greatly to the weight of the soccer ball.  Most people prefer a lighter ball, but it depends on the league, the team, and the individual.