A compression sleeve only does its job if it is the right size. Too big, and it slips down under the sock within the first few runs. Too small, and it feels tight and becomes uncomfortable. For children, this matters even more: most sleeves on the market are cut for adults, so they are too wide for a young footballer.
The good news: choosing the right size takes just two minutes, with a simple tape measure.
What matters: calf circumference, not age
It is tempting to choose a size based on your child's age. That is a mistake: two children of the same age can have very different calves, depending on their build and how much sport they play. The only reliable guide is calf circumference.
How to measure your child's calf
- Have your child sit down, foot flat on the floor, knee bent at a right angle, leg relaxed (without tensing the muscle).
- Find the widest part of the calf, usually in the upper third of the leg.
- Wrap a soft tape measure around it, lying flat, neither too tight nor too loose.
- Note the measurement in centimetres, and measure both legs: there is sometimes a slight difference. If so, go with the larger of the two.
Tip: measure towards the end of the day or after training, when the calf is at its usual size during exercise.
The FUT PROTECT size guide
- S: 26 to 30 cm calf circumference
- M: 30 to 34 cm
- L: 34 to 38 cm
- XL: 38 to 42 cm
Measurement falls right between two sizes? Go for the smaller one. A compression sleeve should be snug: that is what provides support and stops it slipping during the match.
The most common mistakes
- Choosing a size up "so they can grow into it": unlike a football shirt, a sleeve that is too big loses all its benefit. It no longer supports the calf and ends up rolled down around the ankle.
- Measuring over trousers or a sock: always measure directly on the skin.
- Pulling the tape too tight: the tape should simply rest around the leg. A tape pulled too tight can throw the measurement off by one or two centimetres, enough to change size.
- Measuring standing up with the muscle tensed: the calf swells when your child stands on tiptoe. Keep the leg relaxed.
How can you tell if the size is right?
Once on, the sleeve should:
- stay in place just below the back of the knee, without rolling or slipping;
- feel firmly supportive, but leave no red marks or discomfort after the session;
- finish just above the ankle.
If your child complains that the sleeve is too tight or keeps slipping down, the size is probably not right: measure again.
What about when your child grows?
Young footballers grow fast. Remember to measure their calf again at the start of the season, or as soon as their match socks start to feel tight. That is often the right time to move up a size.
Not sure about the size? Email us at contact@futprotect.fr with your child's measurement and we will get back to you quickly.