Youth Soccer Jersey Sizing by Age, U6 to U14

Youth soccer jersey sizing changes fast between age 4 and age 14. A Youth XS that fit a U6 player at fall tryouts will be too small by spring. Pro Shops carries youth sizes XS through XL across all jersey styles, plus adult XS for the larger U14 player frame. Here is the typical fit by age, plus when to size up and when to stay in the current size.

Typical Fit by Age Group

Age Group	Player Age	Typical Size	Chest Range
U6	4 to 5	Youth XS	22 to 24 in
U8	6 to 7	Youth S	24 to 26 in
U10	8 to 9	Youth M	26 to 28 in
U12	10 to 11	Youth L	28 to 30 in
U14	12 to 13	Youth XL or Adult S	30 to 34 in

These ranges fit the average player. Tall-for-age players (especially boys at U12 and U14) often fit one full size larger. Smaller players, especially girls at U10 and U12, sometimes fit one size smaller.

When to Size Up

Size up one full youth size when:

• The player is between sizes at the time of order (e.g. on the cusp of Youth M and Youth L).
• The player is in a known growth phase (often happens at U10 to U11 for girls and U12 to U13 for boys).
• The jersey is for a fall season, with the spring season expected to come from the same jersey.
• The player prefers a looser fit (often the case for boys at U12 and up).

Avoid sizing up more than one full size. A Youth L jersey on a Youth S body looks wrong in team photos and drags during play.

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When to Stay in the Current Size

• The jersey is a one-season-only kit (e.g. a tournament jersey, a banquet keepsake).
• The player prefers a fitted athletic cut.
• The player is at the lower end of an age group (e.g. a 10-year-old at U10) and not yet in a growth phase.

Cut Differences Between Brands

• Sport-Tek Youth Moisture-Wicking Performance Tee. Standard youth athletic cut. Runs true to size. The most common youth-soccer jersey across the catalog.
• Bear Grips Youth Airlume Cotton Athletic Tee. Slightly slimmer cut through the body. Players who are between sizes often prefer to size up here.
• Sport-Tek Youth Long Sleeve Performance. Slightly longer through the body and sleeves. Runs true to size in chest.
• Gildan Youth Hoodie. A relaxed, slightly oversize fit on top of the chest range. Players who like a roomy hood often stay in their current youth size rather than size up.

Sizing for Goalkeepers and Tall Players

Goalkeepers in U12 and U14 often size up one. The looser fit gives more arm and shoulder room for dives, and the longer body covers the waist on slides. Tall-for-age field players (often U12 to U14 boys) sometimes outgrow Youth XL entirely and fit Adult S or Adult M. The same Sport-Tek jersey is available in adult sizes, so the player can move into adult sizing without changing the jersey style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What jersey size does a 5-year-old soccer player wear?

Most 5-year-olds at U6 fit Youth XS with a 22 to 24 inch chest. Taller-for-age 5-year-olds may fit Youth S.

When does a youth soccer player move into adult sizing?

Usually around U14, when the player’s chest passes 32 inches. Taller U13 and U14 boys often fit Adult S or Adult M, while same-age girls often stay in Youth XL or move to a fitted Ladies XS.

Should I size up for a fall-season jersey?

If the same jersey is expected to fit through the spring season, sizing up one full youth size accommodates 6 to 9 months of growth. For a fall-only jersey, stay in the current size.

How do youth soccer jerseys compare between brands?

Sport-Tek runs true to size for youth athletic cuts. Bear Grips youth cotton runs slightly slimmer through the body. Gildan youth hoodies run relaxed. When ordering across brands, check each brand’s chest range against the player’s current chest measurement.