Best Backyard Footys for Family Play

Nothing beats a backyard kick-to-kick. No umpires, no scoreboards, just a bit of space, a couple of posts, and a Sherrin in hand.

But not all footies are built the same. The right ball makes the difference between a kid making their first mark or shying away from it, between a clean drop punt and a wobbler off the side of the boot.

From first kicks to proper weekend sessions, here’s how to pick the right Sherrin for your backyard.

What Makes a Good Backyard Footy?

Backyard footy is unpredictable. Grass, concrete, mixed ages, mixed skill. Your footy needs to handle all of it.

Here’s what matters:

• Soft where it counts: Younger players build confidence faster when they aren't scared of the ball. Soft recreational footballs take the sting out of a misjudged mark.

• Durability: Backyard balls cop a beating. Look for durable footy balls with materials that survive fences, garden beds, and the odd roof rescue.

• Easy to grip: Beginners build confidence quickly when they’re using a ball that’s easy to catch and hold.

• Right size, right feel: A footy that is the right size for the player’s age makes marking, kicking, and handballing a lot easier.

• Surface compatibility: Soft touch balls are best kept on grass or indoors, while synthetic all-surface footies can handle any surface.

The biggest decision is usually material. Soft touch footballs use padded PVC for a gentle feel, synthetic balls trade a little authenticity for toughness on rough surfaces, and genuine leather gives that true match-day feel best kept for grass.

The Best Sherrin Footies for Backyard Play

Sherrin makes footys for players at all stages of the game, from a toddler's first kick to a senior's Saturday game. Here are the best footballs for family backyard footy.

For Young Kids: Start Soft

Soft touch footballs are the best AFL balls for kids. The Soft Touch, Super Soft Touch, and My First Soft Footy are family footy balls made from padded PVC, so they're light, easy to grip, and gentle on small hands. These soft recreational footballs are perfect for youngsters.

• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Cushioned for safer marking
• Great for indoor play and grassy backyards
• Available in five sizes, ranging from mini up to size 3

These family footy balls make a brilliant first footy and an easy gift. Explore the full range of soft touch footballs to find the right size of recreational footballs for your family.

What's the Best All-Round Backyard Footy?

The AFL Replica Training Ball is one of the best backyard footy balls, as the whole family can share it. These replica footballs copy the look and feel of the official game ball but are built from tough full-grain leather made for constant use. For backyard kick-to-kick on grass and trips to the local park, these replica footballs hit the sweet spot between authentic feel and everyday durability.

• Genuine full-grain leather with a real footy feel
• Durable enough for regular kick-to-kick sessions
• Available in all sizes (1 to 5)
• Ideal for parents and kids sharing the same ball

These leather designs are best suited for grass. Keep replica footballs off concrete and they’ll last for seasons. Shop the Sherrin training footballs range to find the perfect backyard football.

Which Ball Helps Kids Improve Their Skills?

When backyard sessions turn into proper practice, step up to the Sherrin Precision. Featuring a visible spine that shows the correct spin pathway, giving kids (and parents coaching them) instant feedback on every kick during beginner football play. It's trusted enough that professional AFL clubs, including the Western Bulldogs and Richmond, use it.

• Visible spine guides kicking technique and accuracy
• Used by AFL clubs, coaches, teachers, and parents
• Suits older kids, teens, and budding junior AFL players
• Available in Precision Club and Precision Match options

If your backyard sessions are turning into proper skills practice, the Precision range is the upgrade that helps good habits stick.

What's the Toughest Footy for Hard Surfaces?

Not every backyard is a lush lawn. If your kids are kicking on concrete, pavers, a driveway, or the school car park, you want a synthetic football rather than leather or PVC. The Sherrin KB Club All Surface is made for exactly this. Its two-ply synthetic build handles rough ground and all weather without falling apart.

• Synthetic football designed for concrete, asphalt, and parks
• Holds up in wet and dry conditions
• Strong grip for confident kicking and marking
• An affordable knockabout ball you won't worry about

This is the footy you leave by the back door, ready whenever the game starts.

For Serious Footy Fans: The Real Thing

For the dedicated fan who wants the real thing, the Sherrin KB Match is the pick. Made from premium Australian leather, this ball is perfect for training and game day. The Yellow KB Match ball has a polyurethane coating for extra grip and water resistance, so it performs in all conditions on grass.

• Genuine handcrafted Australian leather
• Authentic match-quality feel and weight
• Available in sizes 3 to 5, from juniors through to adults
• Built to last across seasons of grass play

It's grass only and a bit of an investment, but for a teen or adult who takes footy seriously, nothing beats a proper leather Sherrin. You can also shop the AFL game ball collection to see the designs used by the pros.

Choosing the Right Size Footy

Getting the size right makes a huge difference to how much fun the game is when it comes to beginners footy. A ball that's too big is hard to grip and kick, which knocks a young player's confidence compared to the right size kids’ football. Sherrin uses official AFL football sizes based on age:

Why it matters:

• Smaller balls are easier for little hands to grip and handball.
• Matching the ball to age helps kids build proper kicking technique.
• The right size reduces strain and the risk of jarred fingers when marking.

Not sure what size kids’ footy balls to pick? You can shop by age to take the guesswork out of choosing junior footy balls.

Make Backyard Footy Better

A good ball is just the start. The other half is how you play. A few simple ideas keep everyone involved, whatever their age or skill:

• Set up mini goals with witches’ hats, chairs, or whatever you have handy for posts.
• Rotate the teams, especially if the match is getting one-sided.
• Play marking games where points go to clean catches, not just goals.
• Keep sessions short for little kids before attention starts to fade.
• Use a soft touch ball indoors so nothing gets broken.

Mixing things up keeps backyard footy games fresh and fun, and it sneaks in real skill practice at the same time.