Goalkeeper glove size for children — age chart

TL;DR: Child's glove size = hand circumference in cm (excluding thumb) rounded to the full size. The age chart is a GUIDE — children grow at different rates, so always measure precisely with a tape. Junior 7-9 years = size 4-5, 10-12 years = 5-6, 13-14 years = 6-7. Between sizes → choose half a size larger.

Why size is so important for a child

Gloves too large for a junior = the ball "slips away" when catching, the foam in the fingers breaks within 3 weeks, the child gets discouraged ("but I can't catch"). Gloves too small = pain, blisters, refusal to train.

Parents make the mistake of thinking 'I'll buy a size up like with shoes'. A goalkeeper glove is NOT a shoe. It doesn't stretch. It doesn't settle. It should fit from day 1.

FM size chart for juniors

The children's model at FM is Invictus X Junior (roll finger, soft Supertack latex, shorter fingers, dedicated cut for small hands).

After the age of 14, a child usually transitions to adult Invictus X lub Varis X (sizes 7-11).

How to measure — 2 minutes

1. Take a measuring tape (or string + ruler).
2. Measure child's hand circumference at the widest point, without thumb, hand relaxed.
3. Note cm → compare with the table above.
4. Between sizes → larger.

How to tell if the size is wrong

Too large (most common mistake):

• Fingers do not reach the glove fingertips (indicating "some space" at the ends)
• Child says “it slips from my hand” / “the ball gets away from me”
• After 2-3 matches, the foam in the fingers cracks / breaks (because the fingers are fighting for control)

Too small:

• The child cannot fully clench their hand into a fist
• Taking off a glove = a struggle
• Complaint: 'it squeezes', 'it hurts', after 20 minutes 'I'll take them off'

Well-Selected:

• Fingers touch the glove tips with 0.5 cm of space (foam absorbs)
• Hand clenches into a fist without resistance
• The child says 'they feel great,' forgetting they're wearing them

Parents' Questions — FAQ

'I'll buy 1 size larger, it will get tighter' → It won't. Goalkeeper glove latex does not stretch in 95% of cases. Buy the correct size, replace next year.

"How long will a pair last for a child?" → Realistically 4-6 months with 2 training sessions + 1 match per week. Juniors wear out gloves slower than adults (less power in shots).

“The child is changing positions, I don't know if it's worth it” → Start with Invictus X Junior — the cheapest good quality (179 EUR), if they abandon goalkeeping after a season, the loss is tolerable. Don't buy top-tier match models for a 9-year-old child — it's an overpayment.

“Two pairs or one?” → Up to 12 years old — 1 pair is sufficient. After 12 years, if the child plays 3+ training sessions per week, it's worth considering a second training pair (so the match pair doesn't tear before a game).

How to check if the glove fits after delivery

Before the first training session:

1. Put the glove on a child's hand
2. Check if fingers touch the fingertips (minimum clearance 0.5 cm)
3. Ask the child: 'Is it tight?' — the answer must be 'no'
4. Ask to clenched fist — no resistance, no "pressure at the wrist"
5. Take off — it should be easy to remove

If something is wrong → 14-day return (unused glove, without personalization).

Next

• How to measure your size — full instructions
• Invictus X Junior — product page
• First-time glove purchase mistakes
• First Month with New Gloves