Your child has decided they want to be a goalkeeper. They've watched the pros on TV, fallen in love with the role, and now they're asking: "Can you buy me gloves?"
And that's where the doubts begin. Because kids' gloves aren't simply adult gloves in miniature. They have different features, different needs, and often — let's be honest — a price that can seem disproportionate for a child who grows fast.
In this guide we explain everything you need to know to choose the right gloves for a young keeper, without spending a fortune but without sacrificing protection and fun on the pitch.
Kids' Gloves vs. Adult Gloves: The Real Differences
Many parents think buying a small adult size is the same as buying kids' gloves. It isn't — and the difference matters on the pitch:
1. The latex is different
A child doesn't have the same hand strength as an adult. Squeezing and "activating" latex requires pressure. That's why kids' gloves use:
- Softer, lighter latex (3–3.5 mm thick vs 4 mm for adults)
- Low-density formula that needs less force to grip the ball
- Greater tactile sensitivity to help the child "feel" the ball
An adult size 6 glove has thick, stiff latex — the child will struggle to close their hand and the ball will slip away.
2. The closure is simplified
Kids' gloves feature:
- Wide, easy velcro closure (no complicated latex straps to wrestle with)
- Softer, less structured cuff that wraps comfortably around a smaller wrist
- More forgiving fit — the glove should go on easily, even when the child puts it on alone before training
3. Protection is proportional
Children's fingers are more fragile and still growing. Kids' gloves often include:
- Extra padding on the backhand (children's hands are more exposed to impact from shots and falls)
- Light finger protection (not rigid Fingersave like adults, but soft support that still allows natural movement)
- Reinforced palm without overdoing it (to withstand frequent falls, which are common at grassroots level)
How to Measure a Child's Hand (and Choose the Size)
Measuring a child's hand is different from measuring an adult's. Children tend to move, clench their fingers, and not stay still. Here's how to do it simply:
Step 1: Get your supplies
You only need a ruler or flexible tape measure. Nothing else.
Step 2: Place the hand flat on the table
Ask the child to place their open hand (fingers extended and together) on a table, palm up. If they're young, make it a game: "Show me how big your hand is!"
Step 3: Measure palm circumference
Wrap the tape around the widest part of the hand — just below the fingers, excluding the thumb. The tape should pass over the knuckles. Don't pull too tight: it should be snug but not compressing the skin.
Step 4: Measure length
Measure from the wrist (where the palm begins) to the tip of the middle finger. Keep the hand flat on the table throughout.
Step 5: Check the chart
Use the measurements to find the right size in the table below. For children, it's better to go slightly larger (a few millimetres) rather than smaller — hands grow quickly, and a glove that's too tight is uncomfortable from day one.
Mast Kids' Size Chart
| Size | Palm circumference (cm) | Hand length (cm) | Approx. age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 12–13 | 13–14 | 5–7 years |
| 5 | 13–14 | 14–15 | 7–9 years |
| 6 | 14–15.5 | 15–16.5 | 9–11 years |
| 7 | 15.5–17 | 16.5–18 | 11–13 years |
Use this table together with your measurements to find the right size for your child.
From size 7 upwards, many teenagers can already move to adult models (sizes 7–8), depending on their build and hand size.
Important: Don't rely on age alone. Two 9-year-olds can have very different hands. Always measure before buying.
Goalkeeper Glove Sizing Guide: How to Measure Your Hand and Find Your Size
Which Glove Type to Choose for a Child
Beginner (first year, grassroots football)
The child is discovering the role. They don't yet have the technique to benefit from premium latex. What they need:
- Basic soft latex — easy to activate, acceptable grip for school football and first training sessions
- Flat cut — easy to put on, comfortable, forgives imperfect sizing
- Affordable price (€20–35) — the glove will likely wear from falls and incorrect use
- Bright colours — for a child, looks matter almost as much as function
Intermediate (2–3 years' experience, youth leagues)
The child already has the basics. They're diving, coming for crosses, playing with their feet. What they need:
- Medium latex — more grip without being too delicate for regular training
- Roll or light hybrid cut — better sensitivity, starting to feel the ball properly
- Mid-range price (€35–50) — worth investing in quality at this stage
- A spare pair — to rotate between training and matches
Advanced (competitive play, U14/U16)
The player is competing at youth level. They train 3–4 times a week plus matches. Here gloves really make a difference. What they need:
- Quality latex — even soft if they play on grass
- Negative or hybrid cut — maximum control and ball feel
- Two pairs: training + match — essential at this level
- Adult models sizes 7–8 — the hand is already large enough for senior sizing
Common Mistakes When Buying Kids' Gloves
❌ Buying gloves too big "so they last longer"
Every parent thinks this way, but it's counterproductive. A glove that's too big:
- Reduces sensitivity (the hand moves inside the glove)
- Makes it hard to close the fist (the ball slips through)
- Increases injury risk (the glove catches on the ground and twists)
- The child gets discouraged because they can't save properly
Golden rule: The glove must fit well NOW, not in a year. If the hand grows, buy a new pair. Better to spend €35 a year on two pairs that fit than €60 on one that doesn't work for two years.
❌ Buying professional gloves for an 8-year-old
We've seen parents spend €80–100 on top-of-the-line gloves for grassroots football. Not necessary:
- The child can't exploit premium latex yet
- The glove wears quickly (falls, incorrect use)
- Pro latex needs maintenance a child won't do
- The price is disproportionate to actual use
Similarly, don't buy gloves under €15: the latex is practically absent, protection is zero, and the child can get hurt.
❌ Forgetting that children grow
Buy a size that fits today. In 6–8 months, re-measure. Children's hands grow in spurts — you may find that a size 5 in September has become a size 6 by March.
Mast Models for Kids and Teenagers
Our collection includes options designed for every age and level:
Gemini Chenoa: Entry-level ideal for beginners. Soft latex, flat cut, easy velcro. Affordable price. Perfect for grassroots football and first steps in goal.
Heyoka in small sizes: Our bestseller is also available in sizes 6–7 for older kids who want premium quality without moving to adult models.
Maads: Resistant latex, hybrid construction. Great for teenagers who play on artificial turf and train regularly.
For players over 12–13, all our adult lines (Legend, Force, P002 Elite) are available from size 7.
Browse the full Kids & Teens collection →
Practical Tips for Parents
- Involve the child in the choice. Show them models and colours. If they feel part of the decision, they'll take better care of the gloves and look forward to wearing them.
- Teach basic maintenance. Two rules are enough: don't throw them wet and dirty in the bag, and let them air-dry after use. No need to wash every time — a child doesn't sweat like an adult.
- Buy a glove bag. It costs little and makes a difference. The child learns to keep gloves separate from the rest of their kit.
- Check the latex every 3–4 months. If you see holes in the fingertips or peeling latex, it's time to replace them.
Goalkeeper Glove Care: How to Wash Them and Make Them Last
Conclusion
Choosing gloves for a child isn't complicated — just remember three things:
- Measure the hand, don't go by age
- Buy kids' gloves, not mini adult gloves
- Don't overspend, but don't skimp on protection
A child with the right gloves saves better, has more fun, and — importantly for you as a parent — won't ask for a new pair every two months because "these don't work."
Ready to find the perfect gloves for your young keeper? Browse the Kids collection → or message us on WhatsApp for personalised advice.
Related guides
Keep reading on the Mast Gloves blog:
- How to choose goalkeeper gloves
- Goalkeeper glove sizing guide
- Glove care and maintenance
- Latex: wear and protection
- Training vs match gloves
Guide by the Mast Gloves team — designing goalkeeper gloves in Italy since 2011.