The Most Important Factor When Choosing Junior Goalie Gloves

If you’ve got an aspiring young goalkeeper in the family, you’ll want to ensure they’ve got the best possible gloves to live out their dreams and have fun on the pitch. But, with so many junior goalie gloves out there, picking the right fit is harder said than done. 

This guide explores the No. 1 most important factor to focus on in junior goalie gloves. 

All Gloves Are Different 

If this is your first ever time buying junior goalie gloves, you might have certain misconceptions or misunderstandings about what the goalkeeper glove market is all about. 

A lot of first-time buyers, for example, assume that most goalie gloves are more or less the same. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, one pair can differ so much from the next. Not just in look and price but in many other areas, like comfort and grip. 

In short, buying goalie gloves is more complicated than it first seems. It’s unwise to rush in and buy the first pair you find or let your kids pick whichever pair they like the look of most. Instead, you have to take your time, do your research, and put in the effort needed to find the best possible set. 

The No. 1 Factor 

Now we know that junior goalie gloves are all different, let’s get to the heart of this guide and look at the most important factor of all to focus on: safety. 

They’ve got much to learn about diving, catching, and everything else about being a keeper. As such, they have a higher risk of injury.

Yes, there are other factors that matter. Price matters to a lot of people. Grip, comfort, and design matter, too, to varying extents. However, when it comes to young goalies and junior goalie gloves, safety has to be the No. 1 concern. 

Why? It’s simple: younger goalies aren’t as experienced. They’re still learning the game, finding their feet. They’ve got much to learn about diving, catching, and everything else about being a keeper. 

As such, they have a higher risk of injury. Let’s illustrate this with an example: 

An Attempted Save Example 

Imagine two goalies. One with years of experience. The other just starting out. They’re both trying to make a dramatic, jumping save to the top right corner to keep a shot out of the net. 

The experienced goalie has probably made that exact same save attempt hundreds of times before. They know the right technique. They know how to bend their knees and launch from the ground to get the most height in their jump. They also know how to keep their hands and wrists strong as they parry the ball away or tip it over the bar with their fingers without getting hurt. 

The inexperienced goalie, meanwhile, even if they’re very talented, won’t have the years of experience and tried-and-tested techniques of their older counterpart. They might not be able to jump as high or position their hand just right to stop the ball safely. As such, they’re much more likely to end up with an injury, like their fingers bending back or being hyper-extended as they strive to stop the ball. 

Important Safety Aspects to Look For 

Clearly, safety is of the utmost importance in junior goalie gloves. Here are some essential elements to look for to get the safest set: 

• Finger Protection: Finger injuries are particularly common among younger keepers. Look for gloves with finger protection or so-called finger spines, which guard against extension injuries. 

• Padding: The impact of a fast-moving football can easily cause wrist and finger injuries in younger players. Look for padded, cushioned gloves that absorb most of the impact energy. 

• Size: Size and safety are intrinsically connected. A goalie’s gloves should never feel too tight or too loose. So ensure you get the sizing just right. 

• Breathable: The best junior goalie gloves are breathable, letting air circulate around the hands. That prevents them getting sweaty, stuffy, and uncomfortable. 

Choose Safe Gloves to Protect Your Young Keeper 

Every young goalie deserves to have safe, enjoyable experiences on the pitch, and that all starts with the gloves on their hands. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your young goalie has the safest possible pair of gloves, with minimal risk of injuries and accidents.