Every professional footballer will tell you how important it is to have gear that fits you correctly. From boots to kneepads, every piece of equipment counts. In this respect, gloves are a goalie’s best friend.
If you’re prepping your kid for their first match, here’s a guide to help you find the perfect junior goalkeeper glove.
Three Factors
There are three factors to keep in mind when choosing any goalie glove, and the same goes for junior gloves. First, there’s the size. Then the cut. And, finally, the foam type.
Size
Get your kid a pair of gloves that are too large for their little hands, and the ball will slip right through. Get them a size that’s too small, and discomfort will ruin the game.
With goalie gloves, it’s all about the palm width. This is what makes the glove feel overly tight or too loose – neither of which is ideal.
You can find the glove size on the packaging, but what do these sizes actually mean? Well, size 2 gloves are for small children around the age of five. Size 3 gloves are for children that are six years old. Size 4 is for small children of seven or eight. Size 5 gloves are for children of about nine years of age, while sizes 6 and 7 are for larger children aged between nine and twelve. Sizes 7.5-8 are for juniors of 13 or more years.
Cut
This refers to the stitching and design style for the palm and finger area of a goalie glove. You have a lot to choose from here.
But in truth, there’s no “correct” answer to the question of the cut. It’s all about personal preference. However, we’ve broken down the attributes of some of the most common goalie glove cuts:
- Roll finger – Often seen as a perfect middle between snug and spacious, traditional and covered with latex
- Negative – Snug, works great for skinny hands
- Negative roll – Very snug
- Flat cut – Spacious with high latex coverage
- Hybrid – A combination of different cuts
- Medius cut – Middle fingers negative, outer fingers rolled, spacious toward the outside, snug in the middle
- Hyla cut – Snug, comfortable, pre-curved, solid ball retention
- Total flare – Flat middle fingers, flared rolled outer fingers
- Ultra flat – Snug, flat palm and negative stitching
- Cresco cut – Spacious, brilliant for smothering the ball
Foam Type
Foam is there to protect your hands. It will certainly absorb any powerful shot but, more importantly, it will protect your thumbs from potential dislocation. There are three foam types with goalie gloves: Contact Grip, Giga Grip, and SuperSoft.
- Contact Grip – Works brilliantly in wet conditions and offers a ton of resistance
- Giga Grip – Keeps the hands cushioned and adheres wonderfully
- SuperSoft – Based on Giga Grip, but cheaper
Goalie Gloves for Your Kid
These were the factors that you should focus on when looking for the perfect junior goalkeeper glove. Keep in mind that your kid will probably have to try out various different pairs to find the ideal match. More than anything, it’s vital that you listen to your kid and test out which glove fits them perfectly.
As someone who's dabbled in goalkeeping myself, I completely resonate with the importance of well-fitted gear. The nuances of choosing the right goalkeeper glove can truly make or break a game. Now, let's dive into the key concepts outlined in the article.
Size: Size is paramount when it comes to goalkeeper gloves, and the article does a great job emphasizing the importance of getting the right fit. The palm width is the crucial factor here. The breakdown of sizes for different age groups is informative, making it easier for parents to select the appropriate glove size for their junior goalkeepers.
Cut: The cut of a goalkeeper glove is a personal preference, and the article rightly highlights that there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The breakdown of various cuts like Roll finger, Negative, Negative roll, Flat cut, Hybrid, Medius cut, Hyla cut, Total flare, Ultra flat, and Cresco cut gives a comprehensive overview. This allows readers to understand the attributes of each cut and make an informed decision based on their own preferences and hand shape.
Foam Type: The foam type is often overlooked, but as someone who has faced some powerful shots, I can vouch for its significance. The article mentions three foam types: Contact Grip, Giga Grip, and SuperSoft. Each has its unique features, like Contact Grip excelling in wet conditions, Giga Grip providing cushioning and adherence, and SuperSoft being a more budget-friendly version based on Giga Grip. Understanding these foam types helps parents ensure their kids have the right protection for their hands, especially against powerful shots.
In conclusion, this guide provides a well-rounded understanding of the key factors—size, cut, and foam type—when choosing junior goalkeeper gloves. It's not just about buying the right size; it's about finding the perfect balance for your kid's comfort and performance. And yes, trial and error might be part of the process, but it's worth it to ensure your young goalkeeper has the best possible gear for the game.
