Goalkeeper Glove Size for Kids — Age Chart

TL;DR: A child's glove size = hand circumference in cm (without thumb) rounded up to the nearest full size. The age chart is a GUIDELINE—kids grow at different rates, so always measure with a tape. Junior 7-9 years = size 4-5, 10-12 years = 5-6, 13-14 years = 6-7. Between sizes → choose the larger one by half a size.

Why Sizing for Kids is So Important

A glove that's too big for a junior = the ball "escapes" the grip, the foam in the fingers tears in 3 weeks, and the child gets discouraged ("but I can't catch"). A glove that's too small = pain, blisters, refusal to train.

Parents make the mistake of "buying a size up like with shoes." A goalkeeper glove is NOT a shoe. It doesn't stretch. It doesn't break in. It has to fit from day 1.

FM Junior Size Chart

The kids' model at FM is the Invictus X Junior (roll finger, soft Supertack latex, shorter fingers, a cut designed for small hands).

After age 14, a child usually moves on to the adult Invictus X or Varis X (sizes 7-11).

How to Measure — 2 Minutes

1. Get a tailor's tape (or a string + ruler).
2. Measure the circumference of the child's hand at its widest point, without the thumb, with the hand relaxed.
3. Write down the cm → compare with the table above.
4. Between sizes → go larger.

How to Tell if the Size is Wrong

Too big (the most common mistake):

• Fingers don't reach the tips of the glove (you can see "something's there" at the ends)
• The child says "it's falling off my hand" / "the ball is slipping"
• After 2-3 matches, the foam in the fingers tears / cracks (because the fingers are fighting for control)

Too small:

• The child can't fully clench their hand into a fist
• Taking the glove off is a struggle
• Complaints: "it's tight," "it hurts," after 20 minutes "I'm taking them off"

A good fit:

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

Parents' Questions — FAQ

"I'll buy one size up, it will get tighter" → It won't. The latex in goalkeeper gloves doesn't stretch in 95% of cases. Buy the right size, replace it in a 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).

"My child changes positions, I don't know if it's worth it" → Start with the Invictus X Junior—the cheapest good quality option (179 PLN). If they quit goalkeeping after a season, the loss is bearable. Don't buy top-tier match models for a 9-year-old—it's an overpayment.

"Two pairs or one?" → Up to age 12, one pair is enough. After 12, if the child trains 3+ times a week, it's worth considering a second training pair (so the match pair doesn't tear before a game).

How to Check the Fit After Delivery

Before the first training session:

1. Put the glove on the child's hand
2. See if the fingers touch the tips (with a minimum of 0.5 cm of space)
3. Ask the child: "is it squeezing you?" — the answer must be "no"
4. Ask them to make a fist — there should be no resistance, no "it's tight at the wrist"
5. Take it off — it should come off without a struggle

If something's not right → 14-day return (for unused, non-personalized gloves).

Next Steps

• How to Measure Your Size — Full Instructions
• Invictus X Junior — Product Page
• First-Time Glove Buying Mistakes
• First Month with New Gloves