Some of the earliest soccer balls were inflated animal bladders.
Bladders often popped so people began encasing them in leather.
Until the late 1960s, balls were closed with laces or buttons.
Heading a ball at the wrong angle proved painful.
In 1912, standards were established for the
size and weight of soccer balls.
Leather balls can absorb water and become very
heavy.
Today, the standard size of a ball for international
matches is 27-28 inches around with a weight of 14-16 ounces.
This is called a number 5 ball. Youth leagues play with smaller
balls.
