Buying Guide for Soccer Goals

Goal Size:

When determining the right soccer goal size, the predominant factors to consider are player age and the level of play. Below are official goal sizes needed for gameplay; training goals do not need to be official size.

Official goals should be purchased through trusted manufacturers to ensure they meet all safety standards.

Middle School to Pro
Level / Organization	Size	Post Size	Post Shape	Goal Face Color
Middle School	8′ x 24′	*3″ min – 5″ max	Square, Rectangular, Round, or Oval	White
High School (NFHS)	8′ x 24′	3″ min – 5″ max	Square, Rectangular, Round, or Oval	White
College (NCAA)	8′ x 24′	4″ min – 5″ max	Square, Rectangular, Round, or Oval	White
Pro (FIFA)	8′ x 24′	4″ min – 5″ max	Square, Rectangular, Round, or Oval	White
*Recommended

US Youth Soccer / AYSO
Organization / Age Group	U6–U8	U9–U10	U11–U12	U13
USYS (Recommended Size)	4′ x 6′	6.5′ x 18.5′	7′ x 21′	8′ x 24′
AYSO (Recommended Size)	4′ x 6′	6.5′ x 12′	6.5′ x 18.5′	8′ x 24′
AYSO (Maximum Size)	4′ x 6′	6.5′ x 18.5′	7′ x 21′	8′ x 24′

Futsal
Type	Size	Goal Face Color
Futsal	6'7"H x 9'10"W (2m x 3m)	Goal posts & crossbar must be a different color than the playing surface

Goal Posts:

Material

Aluminum
o Most common
o Lightweight, easier to move
o Rust-resistant
o Safer than steel portable goals
Steel
o Only recommended for semi-permanent or permanent installation
o Not recommended for portable goals; top-heavy and unsafe, prone to tipping
o Less expensive than aluminum
o More susceptible to rusting if the paint chips
PVC
o Typically suitable for smaller goals, as PVC can bend and sag
Other materials should not be used for soccer goals (wood, etc.)
o Integrity of materials is not tested to a safety standard

Finish

Powder Coated
o Longest lasting performance
o More durable finish
o Better rust resistance
Spray Enamel
o Less expensive than powder coating
o Susceptible to chipping and flaking over time
Natural Aluminum
o Least expensive option
o Does not meet NFHS, NCAA, and FIFA specifications for gameplay

Post Shape

Square, Rectangular, Round, and Oval
o Choice is based on visual preference
o Does not dictate if a goal is official for game use
o Square and rectangular are a more traditional US style
o Round and oval are more modern; most commonly used globally

Backstays:

European style - Loop at top of uprights, holds net back
Full backstay - Extend from top of upright to the ground
o Helps keeps more of the net away from the goalkeeper
Offset post backstay - Pro style, additional posts are set behind the goal for net tension
No backstay - Budget-friendly, more common in training goals

Goal Types:

Portable
o Freestanding, movable; Some are equipped with wheel kits
o Excellent choice for multi-purpose fields
o Allows for multiple field configurations
o Need to be anchored for safety
Semi-Permanent (In-Ground)
o Installed with ground sleeves for maximum stability
o Can be removed periodically
o Best for soccer-specific fields
o Harder to maintain a grass field
Permanent (In-Ground)
o Installed directly into concrete within the ground
o Cannot be removed or stolen
o Best for soccer-specific fields
o Harder to maintain a grass field

Wheels:

Some goal models include wheels
Wheel kits can be purchased separately
o Ensure compatibility; not all wheel kits fit all goals
Some wheel types stay on the goal while others are attached when in use
o Based on preference

Anchoring:

Portable soccer goals should be anchored at all times
Many soccer goals include various types of anchors such as sandbags, stakes, etc.
o Ensure anchoring included with goal meets your needs
• i.e. Ground stakes will not work on turf fields
o Various types of anchors can be purchased separately
See our goal safety page for additional information