Ultimate Guide To Soccer Goal Sizes & Types - Net World Sports
The Complete Guide To Soccer Goal Sizes & Types Everything You Need To Know Before Buying A Soccer Goal
With so many different types of soccer goals for sale it can be somewhat daunting when it comes to choosing which soccer goal to buy. Whether you’re unsure about what size soccer goal you need, or you don’t know which soccer goal type or material is best suited to your needs, the huge range of options available can make buying the right goal a challenge.
With this in mind we’ve created our illustrated goal buying guide that can help you quickly identify the goal that is best suited to you. Covering regulation soccer goal sizes for different age ranges, as well as examining and evaluating the different options available when it comes to goal materials and designs, our comprehensive soccer goal buying guide can help you make an informed decision and remove any uncertainty you may have.
Regulation Soccer Goal Sizes
The first section of our soccer goal guide focuses on the regulation soccer goal sizes set out by organizations including FIFA and US Youth Soccer.
Soccer goals are measured from the inside of the posts, and from the inside/bottom of the crossbar to the ground.
Youth Soccer Goal Sizes
Under 6 to Under 8 Soccer Goals
US Youth Soccer recommends that games involving children aged 8 years old and younger have 4 or 5 players on each side and no goalkeeper.
The games are made up of 4 quarters of 10 minutes each and there is no offside rule. The recommended goal size guide for these games is 6ft x 4ft.
Under 9 & Under 10 Soccer Goals
For U9 and U10 games, US Youth Soccer recommends using goals measuring a maximum of 18.5ft x 6.5ft.
Under 9 and 10 games are 7-a-side and last a total of 50 minutes (2 x 25 minute halves).
Under 11 and Under 12 Soccer Goals
In U11 and U12 games US Youth Soccer recommends using goals that are 21ft x 7ft.
The games consist of 2 x 30 minute halves and each side has 9 players
Under 13 to Under 18+ Soccer Goals
In the United States, US Youth Soccer is the largest youth soccer organization and is a member of US Soccer and FIFA.
In accordance with the guidelines set out by US Youth Soccer and the US Youth Soccer Player Development Model, children over the age of 12 years (U13 teams and up) use full-size 24ft x 8ft soccer goals in regulated games.
The games are 11-a-side and the duration varies from a total of 70 minutes (2 x 35 minute halves), to 90 minutes (2 x 45 minute halves) depending on the age group.
US Youth Soccer - Maximum Goal Post Sizes by Age Recap AGE GOAL SIZE UNDER 6/7/8 6FT X 4FT (1.8M X 1.2M) UNDER 9/10 18.5FT X 6.5FT (5.6M X 2M) UNDER 11/12 21FT X 7FT (6.4M X 2.1M) 12+ & SENIOR 24FT X 8FT (7.3M X 2.4M)Senior Soccer Goal Sizes
Whilst soccer goals sizes for youth games are set primarily according to the age group of the players, senior goal sizes are determined by the number of players on each team.
11-a-side
According to the official documentation published by IFAB in association with FIFA in relation to senior, full size regulation soccer goalposts:
“The distance between the inside of the posts is 7.32 m (24ft) and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2.44 m (8 ft).”
In other words, the regulation size of a soccer goal used in a senior 11-a-side game should be 24ft x 8ft. This is the case for both men’s and women’s soccer goals, with the same size 24 x 8 goals being used by both male and female soccer players.
9-a-side
For 9-a-side senior soccer matches, to suit the smaller playing area, it is recommended that goals measuring 21ft x 7ft are used.
7-a-side
Senior 7-a-side soccer games are regulated at an international level by IFA7 and FIF7. In the USA, the standard goal posts used in senior 7-a-side games are 12ft x 6ft.
5-a-side
In the USA, in accordance with guidelines set out by the USASA and IFAB, senior 5-a-side soccer games should use goal posts that are 12ft x 4ft.
US SENIOR SOCCER GOAL SIZES GAME GOAL SIZE 5-A-SIDE 12FT x 4FT (3.7M x 1.22M) 7-A-SIDE 12FT x 7FT (3.7M x 2.13M) 9-A-SIDE 21FT x 7FT (6.4M x 2.1M) 11-A-SIDE 24FT x 8FT (7.3M x 2.4M)Recommended Backyard Goal Sizes By Age
Whilst competitive games have specific U.S Soccer and IFAB regulation goal sizes depending on the players age, any size goal can be used for casual play in your backyard.
The graphic below shows the recommended ages for each size backyard goal. However, the space available to you and your budget should also be considered when deciding which size goal is right for you. For example, if you have a small backyard or your budget doesn’t allow for a bigger goal, a smaller and slightly cheaper 6 x 4 goal can be used by older players if necessary. The purpose of this graphic is to offer a general indication of suitable goal sizes for your backyard, allowing you flexibility in choosing the size that best fits your needs, rather than imposing a specific recommendation.
SOCCER GOAL POST MATERIALS
The majority of soccer goal posts in use in the United States are made from one of three materials - uPVC, steel, or aluminum. There are benefits to each different material when it comes to the cost, robustness, and longevity of the goalposts.
Steel Soccer Goal Posts
Steel has a famous and illustrious history in the United States, with the rise of large integrated steel mills back in the 1800s. Steel is an incredibly strong metal alloy with an exceptional ability to maintain its shape and integrity.
A range of FORZA's metal goal posts are made from galvanized steel. Coated in a layer of zinc, the galvanized steel goals are 100% weatherproof and made with the perfect material for backyard, garden, school and practice-ground soccer goals.
Our steel goals are available in a number of sizes from 8ft x 6ft up to 16ft x 7ft. Combined with extra durable, 3mm twine HDPE soccer nets, you can expect many years of fun and enjoyment with a FORZA steel soccer goal. Despite the incredible strength of our steel goals they do not require any tools to set up and assemble. All of our FORZA steel goalposts are UV-treated and corrosion-resistant.
uPVC Soccer Goal Posts
uPVC goals are perfect for youth games and backyards. As they are so light, there is a reduced risk of injury when it comes to any potential collisions with the posts. Lightweight, weatherproof, and a cost-effective option, PVC goals are the most popular format when it comes to soccer goals for kids.
FORZA soccer goals are made using 68mm extra thick, high-impact UPVC that is 100% shatterproof. Simple to assemble, our FORZA uPVC goals with HDPE nets can be left outside all year round. FORZA uPVC goals also feature a unique locking system that is designed to absorb the hardest of shots and impacts.
Aluminum Soccer Goal Posts
Aluminum goals are regarded as the best goal posts money can buy. Professional soccer pitches and practice grounds, including those used in MLS and Premier League, almost always use soccer goals made of aluminum. Aluminum is a recyclable, sustainable material that is well known for its corrosion resistance, strength and durability. Aluminum is also incredibly light compared to other metals and alloys, making it the perfect material for top-level soccer goalposts.
Available in a range of sizes and designs, FORZA aluminum goals are used by famous soccer clubs including Manchester United and Newcastle United. The 110mm diameter posts are used in practice session scrimmages and professional games. Available in portable freestanding versions, as well as socketed models, the goal posts meet regulations set out by the MLS, FIFA and UEFA.
Our 60mm and 110mm diameter aluminum posts are popular with professional soccer teams across America and are often used by senior players for small-sided games during practice sessions. Suitable for all playing surfaces including grass and indoor wooden pitches, the aluminum goals are the pièce de résistance of the FORZA soccer goal range.
Types of Soccer Goal Posts
Once you’ve decided on the size and material of the soccer goal post(s) you require, you’ll also want to consider whether you need freestanding or socketed goalposts.
Socketed Goal Posts
The most popular choice for professional soccer pitches, socketed goal posts are the ideal solution when the goals are set to remain in one place for an extended period. Socketed goal posts are placed into sleeves or sockets that are permanently fixed into the ground. They can be easily removed but take more time and skill to install than freestanding goal posts.
The sockets or sleeves for this type of goalpost are usually set into cubes of concrete. Because they are so securely set into place, they are incredibly firm and robust and often used in parks and public grounds because they are virtually impossible to move and they won’t topple over. They are also regularly used within professional soccer grounds, as they provide the most robust and stable soccer goal option.
FORZA’s FIFA/UEFA Elite Stadium Soccer Goals, are considered the best of the best when it comes to soccer goal posts. Currently installed at professional soccer grounds including Wrexham AFC’s Racecourse ground and Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.
Freestanding Goal Posts
Seen on soccer practice grounds and artificial turf pitches across the United States, freestanding goals can be moved quickly and safely without any specialized equipment or tools. Freestanding goals stand on their own, without any need for support or fixings. Because there is no need to install sockets into the ground, they are perfect for concrete, wooden and artificial pitches. They are also ideal for practice grounds, as they can be moved quickly and easily into positions for different drills and scrimmages.
At Net World Sports we have developed a range of pioneering freestanding goals including our highly regarded FORZA Alu110 Soccer Goals. Lightweight yet incredibly robust, the Alu110 goals can be purchased with the FORZA Alu110 360˚ Wheels - which make them exceptionally easy to move and reposition. The FORZA lever wheels lift the goals almost 4 inches from the ground and allow the goals to be moved with ease across all surfaces.
Now that we’ve covered soccer goal sizes, materials and types you should hopefully be more confident when it comes to buying a football goal!
Upon opening the box, several pieces had scratches and dents from shipping (see pics). There were no instructions, only a picture of the pieces apart. They were clearly labeled so it wasn’t hard for my 14yo daughter and I to get it together. Prob took about 30min (mostly bc one female piece was oval instead of round which took awhile to bend/fix). With 2-3 people and assuming not bent it would prob only take 15min plus time to attach the net. Bungees for the net are nice as it allows for hard shots but decreases stress to the net and poles. It feels pretty sturdy but has minimal lag in the center which is to be expected for a modular system. It is perfect for backyard practice but would not hold up to game play. I’ll have to get a can of spray rust-proof spray to fix the paint and prevent rusting of the metal to ensure it lasts.
Overall decent practice net, especially for the cost. Extra net was also provided which is a nice Bonus.