Kids' goalkeeper gloves

What size of glove for a goalkeeper aged 6 to 12

Size is determined by the hand, not by age: Uhlsport reminds us in its own guide, which measures the width of the hand excluding the thumb. Another method is to measure the circumference of the hand at the joints, thumb excluded, then add one centimetre. As a guideline, a 9 or 10-year-old usually wears size 5 and an 11 or 12-year-old wears size 6, but the cuts differ: Reusch fits a bit tighter, Uhlsport a bit wider. The glove should leave about half a centimetre at the fingertips; if it's too tight, it strains the seams, too big, it moves around the hand when catching.

Child glove brands and equipment around the position

To compare a particular brand, each manufacturer has its page: Uhlsport for a range from beginner to competitor, Reusch for its Attrakt models, adidas for the Predator and Copa lines, Rinat for its cuts born in Mexico and T1TAN for its barrette versions. Elbow pads, pants, and junior goalkeeper jerseys can be found in Goalkeeper Equipment, and adult gloves, for a teen who has surpassed size 7, in Goalkeeper Gloves.

Positive, negative or hybrid cut on a small hand

The positive cut, with seams on the outside, gives a glove that is loose and has a large surface of latex: it’s the cut of beginner models like the adidas Copa Club. The negative cut places the seams on the inside for a glove that hugs each finger; more precise, it requires an exact size. Between the two, the semi-negative cut from Uhlsport, marked HN, wraps around the index finger, little finger, and thumb while leaving some room in the palm. For a beginner, a positive or hybrid cut provides more forgiveness; a child who's already playing in a club and catches a lot will appreciate the feel of a negative cut.

Barrettes, latex and pitch: protecting fingers and lasting longer

The protective barrette, called Fingersave by adidas, Finger Support by Reusch, Flex Frame by Uhlsport, or FP by T1TAN, limit finger bending on a powerful strike: a real plus for a child learning to dive. On the palm side, soft latex grips well on grass but wears out quickly, whereas a more durable foam, like the Turf versions from Rinat or Resist from Uhlsport, holds up on synthetic surfaces that grind against the palm. Rinse the gloves in lukewarm water after each session, let them air dry, away from a radiator, and lightly dampen the latex before playing to regain grip.

Outfitting a young goalkeeper on a budget

A child changes glove size almost every year: it's worth taking advantage of key moments. Black Friday and the year-end holidays make a new pair an obvious gift, to watch out for in Child Promotions. The winter sales come just before the second half of youth championships, then the French Days for children in spring, the summer sales, and the resumption of training in August, a period when older colourways go on Clearance.

Frequently asked questions

Do 7-year-olds need barrette gloves?

They are not mandatory, but they reassure a beginner who fears twisting their fingers. Some coaches prefer that a young player first learns the correct hand position without them; at this age, a light and flexible glove remains the priority.

How long do children's goalkeeper gloves last?

It all depends on the pitch and the number of sessions: on synthetic, a soft latex can wear out in a few weeks, while durable foam lasts several months. Keeping one pair for training and another for matches significantly extends their lifespan.

My child has sweaty hands in their gloves, what should I do?

Dry latex loses its grip, but a soaked hand slips in the glove. Dampen the palm before the match, wipe the inside with a towel at half-time, and fully dry the gloves between sessions to limit sweating.

Do Nike goalkeeper gloves come in children's sizes?

Yes, Nike offers its goalkeeper gloves in junior sizes, with models like the Academy or the Match. As with other brands, measure your child's hand before choosing, as each manufacturer follows its own sizing chart.

At what age can a child play as a goalkeeper in a club?

With the youngest, many coaches rotate the position so that everyone gets to experience the goal. A child who likes to dive can try it out as soon as they start at a club, with specialization typically coming later, around pre-adolescence.