Soccer (association football) is the world’s most popular sport by far. It is estimated that there are over 4 billion soccer fans across the world.
The governing body of soccer, FIFA, lays down strict guidelines for the weight of soccer balls.
Weights of Soccer Balls
A size 3 ball is used by children under the age of 8. This soccer ball weighs 11 to 12 ounces (311 to 340 grams).
A size 4 soccer ball weighs between 12.4 and 13.8 ounces (350 and 390 grams). This ball is used by children between the ages of 8 and 12.
A size 5 soccer ball weighs between 14.8 and 16 ounces (420 and 450 grams). This size ball is used in international play with adults and by children over 12.
History of the Soccer Ball
The Football Association of England laid down the first regulations for the size and weight of soccer balls in 1863.
Before this, soccer balls could be any size and weight.
Early soccer balls were made from leather or animal bladders. The leather balls would absorb water, and this increased the weight of the ball during a match.
It wasn’t until the 1980’s that leather soccer balls were replaced by a synthetic soccer ball.
~ Fun Fact ~
The FIFA World Cup is the most watched sporting match in the world. Bigger than the Super Bowl in the United States. 3.9 billion people watched the 2014 tournament across the globe.
Resources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_(association_football)