Buying Guide for Soccer Goals

Learn how to choose the best soccer goal for your field with expert guidance on goal sizes, materials, anchoring options, portability, and safety.

Need additional help? Call 800-688-6709 to speak with a soccer goal specialist who can quickly recommend the right solution for your program.

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 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

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

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