Goalkeeper glove size for kids — age chart
TL;DR: Child glove size = hand circumference in cm (without thumb) rounded to full size. Age chart is a GUIDE — kids grow at different rates, so always measure with tape. Junior 7-9 years = size 4-5, 10-12 years = 5-6, 13-14 years = 6-7. Between sizes → pick the larger half size.
Why sizing matters for kids
Glove too large for a junior = ball "slips" on catch, foam in fingers cracks in 3 weeks, kid gets discouraged ("I can't catch"). Glove too small = pain, blisters, refuses to train.
Parents make the mistake of "I'll buy it oversized like a shoe." A goalkeeper glove is NOT a shoe. It doesn't stretch. It doesn't break in. It should fit from day one.
FM size chart for juniors
The junior model at FM is Invictus X Junior (roll finger, soft Supertack latex, shorter fingers, dedicated cut for small hands).
| Child's age | Hand circumference (approximate) | FM Junior size |
|---|---|---|
| 5-7 years (U7) | 15-16 cm | 3 |
| 7-9 years old (U8-U9) | 16-18 cm | 4 |
| 9-11 years old (U10-U11) | 18-19 cm | 5 |
| 11-13 years old (U12-U13) | 19-21 cm | 6 |
| 13-14 years old (U14) | 21-22 cm | 7 (already adult size) |
After age 14, a child typically moves to adult Invictus X lub Varis X (sizes 7-11).
How to measure — 2 minutes
- Grab tailor's tape (or string + ruler).
- Measure child's hand circumference at the widest point, thumbless, hand relaxed.
- Write down cm → compare with table above.
- Between sizes → larger.
How to tell if the size is wrong
Too large (most common mistake):
- Fingers don't reach the glove tips (you can see there's "something" in the ends)
- Kid says "it keeps slipping out of my hand" / "the ball gets away from me"
- After 2-3 matches the foam in the fingers breaks / cracks (because fingers are fighting for control)
Too small:
- Child cannot fully clench hand into a fist
- Removing a glove = a battle
- Complaint: "pinches", "hurts", after 20 minutes "I'm taking them off"
Well-fitted:
- Fingers touch the glove tips with 0.5 cm slack (foam absorbs)
- Hand closes into a fist without resistance
- Kid says "they fit great," forgets he's wearing them
Parent Questions — FAQ
"I'll buy one size bigger, it'll get tighter" → Won't happen. Latex in goalkeeper gloves doesn't stretch—95% of the time. Buy the right size, replace it in a year.
"How long will a pair last my kid?" → Realistically 4–6 months with 2 trainings + 1 match per week. Juniors wear gloves slower than adults (less shot power).
"My kid is changing position, not sure if it's worth it" → Start with Invictus X Junior — best budget quality (179 zł); if you're stepping away from the goal after the season, the loss is manageable. Don't buy top match models for a 9-year-old—that's overspending.
"Two pairs or one?" → Up to age 12 — 1 pair is enough. After 12, if your child trains 3+ times weekly, consider a second training pair (so the match gloves don't tear before game day).
How to check if your glove fits after delivery
Before your first training:
- Put the glove on your child's hand
- Check if your fingers touch the fingertips (minimum clearance 0.5 cm)
- Ask your child: "does it squeeze you?" — the answer must be "no"
- Ask to clenched fist — no resistance, no "pinching at the wrist"
- Remove — should come off easily
If something's off → 14-day return (unworn glove, no personalization).