What size goalie gloves for a child? (table by age)
Arnaud Brossard
In short
To choose the right goalkeeper glove size for a child, measure their hand from the base of the palm to the tip of the middle finger, and trust the measurement more than their age. Guide: 16–17 cm = size 4, 17–18 cm = size 5, 18–19 cm = size 6; above 19 cm, they move up to an adult size 7. Pick the size that matches the measurement, and if it falls exactly between two sizes, go one size up. Never deliberately buy far too big: it costs ball control.
By Arnaud Brossard — goalkeeper for 15 years, founder of DENY GLOVES.
Size is the number one criterion when kitting out a young goalkeeper — even before the model or the price. A glove that is too big twists on the hand, reduces ball control and loses its shape; a glove that is too small squeezes the fingers. The good news: you can sort it out in 30 seconds with a tape measure.
How to measure your child's hand
Use a soft tape measure (or a piece of string and a ruler). Measure the length of the hand from the base of the palm to the tip of the middle finger, with the hand open and fingers straight. Write the number down in centimetres: that is what sets the size, far more reliably than age or age group.
Size chart by hand measurement and age
| Hand length | Size | Age group | Typical age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 – 17 cm | 4 | U9 – U10 | 8 – 10 years |
| 17 – 18 cm | 5 | U11 – U12 | 10 – 12 years |
| 18 – 19 cm | 6 | U13 | 12 – 13 years |
| 19 cm and over | 7 (adult) | U14 and over | 13 and over |
The DENY ZERO ROOKIE covers sizes 4 to 6, from U9 to U13. Once the hand reaches 19 cm, a young keeper moves up to a size 7 adult glove: DENY ZERO, DENY ONE or DENY FLOW, depending on the cut they prefer.
If your child's hand measures less than 16 cm, the ROOKIE doesn't go small enough yet. Better to know before ordering: look for a junior pair from another brand, using the same size and latex criteria.
The glove for young keepers
DENY ZERO ROOKIE — €49
Negative cut + roll thumb, durable 3 mm latex, fixed wrist strap. Sizes 4 to 6 (U9 to U13).
See the ROOKIE →Exact size or one size up?
The rule is simple: choose the size that matches the hand measurement. If it falls exactly between two sizes (18 cm on the dot, for example), go one size up: children's hands grow fast, and half a size of room doesn't affect the grip.
But never deliberately choose a glove that is far too big "so it lasts another season": a loose glove twists, the ball slips, and your child loses control and confidence. A glove in the right size is what helps them improve.
My child is U12–U13: ROOKIE or adult glove?
It depends only on the size of their hand, not their age group. If the hand measures up to 19 cm, the ROOKIE in size 6 fits. Above that, they need a size 7 adult glove (ZERO, ONE or FLOW). Measure before ordering: at this age, two children of the same age can be two sizes apart.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy bigger because my child is growing?
Not a full size bigger. An oversized glove hurts control and loses its shape. Take the size that matches their measurement (one size up only if they are exactly between two); you'll change at the next size, just like football boots.
My child is 10 but has big hands — what size?
Go by the measurement, not the age. If the hand measures 18.5 cm, take a size 6 even if their age "should" put them in a 4.
How do I know the size is right once the gloves arrive?
The fingertips should sit close to the end of the glove without being squashed, and the glove shouldn't twist on the hand. At DENY, you can exchange the size within 14 days if the gloves haven't been used.
Know their size? Discover the DENY ZERO ROOKIE (€49, sizes 4 to 6) or check our full size guide. For everything else about choosing: how to choose goalkeeper gloves for a child.