Youth soccer goal guide

CHOOSING THE Right sized soccer goal

When choosing a soccer goal, we recommend that you take a step back and fully evaluate what exactly they will be used for. If you are using your goals primarily for practice or for recreational purposes, a small portable goal might be just what you need. Conversely, when intended for use in league or competitive play, a larger portable or permanent soccer goal might serve your purpose much better, it all depends on your prospective use.

As such, let’s dive into the different configurations and sizes available for youth soccer play to help give you a better idea as to what might suit your pitch, field or facility best.

Table of Contents

Common Soccer Goal Shapes & Designs

With Depth Shape

In this shape of goal, there is a rounded frame that extends for about two feet behind the crossbar, extending to the frame before descending at a 45 degree angle to another bar on the ground. 

This shape gives your goal more room on the inside along with an added level of stability. Depending on the total size of this style of goal, it may be light enough to move, otherwise it must be kept in a stationary position.

 

Pictured is the Evolution Evo 2.1 Soccer goal

Without Depth Shape

In this shape of goal, the net is attached to the front crossbar and immediately descends at a 45 degree angle behind the goal to the ground. In this case, the net is secured to another bar on the ground or anchored directly into the ground.

Typically, without depth shaped goals are lighter in weight and can easily be moved to various locations as desired.

Box Shape

Shaped like a rectangular box, the net will hang over the goal and drop to the ground at a 90 degree angle.

Typically, these goals are the heaviest goals available and are almost always permanently installed on the field.

 

Pictured is the Pro Premier World Competition Goal

Soccer Netting Materials

High tenacity Polypropylene (HTTP)

The strongest netting material out there today, HTTP is commonly use for heavy-duty nets that are designed for long life with the ability to withstand the worst outdoor weather conditions.

Polyethylene

Polyethylene is the most common netting material in the world. That said, the quality and durability of this type of netting is dependent on the type of knot used in the twine, so be sure to inquire about the quality when purchasing any polyethylene net.

Nylon

In North America, nylon soccer nets are the most common that are made. Given that nylon is is so readily available, this tends to be the ideal choice for fitting custom-sized soccer nets.

Soccer Netting Varieties

Twisted

Available in thickness ranging from 2mm to 4mm, twine that is twisted is the most common type found in soccer netting.

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Braided

Considered to be the best type of twine with regards to making soccer nets, braided twine is the strongest of all of the netting varieties.

knotless-netting

Knotless

This type of twine is not as commonly uses as the above, but is manufactured to be thicker, providing additional both strength and durability.

Choose the Proper Sized Goal Based on Age

When choosing a soccer goal, many factors go into your purchasing decision. One immediate factor you should be addressing is that of the proposed user.  For many, the decision starts with who will be using the soccer goals and what are the proper dimensions based on the age category those fall under.

Below is a breakdown of the different sizes of soccer goals, along with recommendations for field size and other factors based on age group.

Standard & Full-Size Goals (Ages 13+)

This size of goal covers any user over the age so 12 years and is the standard size for soccer goals.

  • Standard/full-size soccer goal dimensions are 8′ H x 24′ W
  • Standard/full-size soccer goals are for use on all regulation soccer fields used by players 13 years of age or older
  • Field dimensions for use with standard/full-size soccer goals are 60 – 80 yards wide and 110 – 120 yards in length

 

Pictured is Deluxe European Club Goal

U12 to U13 (ages 11-12)

  • Soccer goal dimensions for ages 11-12 years should be 6′ H x 18′ W
  • Field dimensions for 9v9:
    • Width: 42-55m Length: 60- 75m
  • Field dimensions for 11v11:
    • Width: 45-90m Length: 90-120m

u10 - u11 (ages 9-10)

  • Soccer goal dimensions for ages 9-10 years should be 6′ H x 16′ W
  • Field dimensions for use with this age group’s soccer goals are:
    • Width: 30-36m Length: 40-55m

U8 to U9 (ages 7-8)

  • Soccer goal dimensions for ages 6-7 years should be 5′ H x 8′ W
  • Field dimensions for use with this age group’s soccer goals are:
    • Width: 25-30m Length: 30-36m

U7 (ages under 7)

  • Soccer goal dimensions for ages 9-10 years should be 3′ H x 5′ W pop-up goals
  • Field dimensions for use with this age group’s soccer goals are:
    • Width: 18-22m Length: 25-30m
soccer-net-size-illustration-canada

Conclusion

Evaluating the needs of not only your facility, but also the needs of your users is always of utmost importance when making any sports equipment purchase. 

Understanding the age groups and their corresponding equioment recommendations not only ensures fairness and equality on the field, but it also provides organizers and parents with the peace of mind of knowing that safety in sport is of top of mind.

Soccer is a team sport and is played by people of all ages. As such, always be sure to do your research when selecting a new goal for your youth soccer program. An informed decision will make for many years of happiness out on the pitch shared by generations of players to come.

We are the sounds of soccer

We offer a comprehensive line of soccer equipment for your soccer club, facility or league. We design, manufacture and install soccer equipment across North America and have done so now for over 40 years. At Sport Systems, we lead the charge, delivering beyond our customers needs and expectations each and every time.

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Accessories

We carry a variety of soccer accessories for your convenience. Everything from anchors and pegs to wheel kits, fasteners and corner flags.

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Shelters

Don't leave players, coaches and staff members out in the weather. We offer state-of-the-art officiating and team shelters that will take your sidelines to the next level.

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Portable Goals

We carry a variety of portable soccer goal options in all shapes and sizes for all ages of play.

permanent-soccer-net

Accessories

We offer a full line of steel permanent goals. Our goals are the heaviest-duty goal in the industry and are easily shipped and assembled.