What is the appropriate size and dimensions for a soccer goal? In the beautiful game, having the correct soccer goal dimensions depending on the age and skill level of the players is crucial for optimal gameplay and development.
Soccer goals, one of the most important pieces of soccer equipment, come in various sizes, designs, and materials. FIFA, the main international governing body of world soccer, is responsible for establishing the rules, or laws of the game, including the rules for soccer goal dimensions.
Typically, a FIFA-approved professional soccer goal size is 2.44 meters tall (8 ft tall) and 7.32 meters wide (24 ft wide). In this blog, I will provide an in-depth overview of different soccer goal dimensions based on different levels and variations of the game.
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FIFA Regulation Soccer Goal Sizes
A standard FIFA soccer goal consists of two upright posts that are joined together with a horizontal crossbar. The goal must be placed on the goal line in between the two corner flags on either side of the field.
The two posts and the horizontal crossbar must be made from wood, metal pipes, or similar material, while the shape of all of the posts should be round, rectangular, or elliptical and they should be no less than four inches in width and diameter.
All FIFA regulation soccer goals are 2.44 meters tall (8 ft tall), from the crossbar to the ground, and 7.32 meters wide (24 ft wide), from goal post to goal post. This is the ideal height and length of a professional FIFA-approved soccer goal and these dimensions are different as you go down age groups and skill levels.
| Age Range: | Recommend Goal Size (tall/width): |
|---|---|
| U6- U8 | 1.2 meters by 1.8 meters (4 ft by 6 ft) |
| U9- U10 | 1.9 meters by 5.6 meters (6.5 ft by 18.5 ft) |
| U11- U12 | 2.1 meters by 6.4 meters (7 ft by 21 ft) |
| U13 | 2.4 meters by 7.3 meters (8 ft by 24 ft) |
US Youth Soccer Goal Size
The two governing bodies responsible for youth soccer in the USA are the American Youth Soccer Association (AYSO) and US Youth Soccer. Youth soccer games have much smaller fields which also means that they have to use smaller goals.
The minimum requirement for a youth soccer game is 1.2 meters tall (4 ft tall) and 1.8 meters wide (6 ft wide), which is best for youth players between the ages of six and eight. As the youth players move up in age group the size of the goal, field, and soccer ball increases.
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High School Soccer Goal Size
High school soccer games typically follow the same rules established by FIFA and most, if not all high schools will use a goal that is 2.44 meters tall (8 ft tall) and 7.32 meters wide (24 ft wide). Of course, there may be some exceptions and some high schools may use different sized goals but this is the standard.
Image by Lars Bo Nielsen
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) College Soccer Goal Size
College soccer typically also follows the same rules established by FIFA when it comes to soccer goal dimensions, 2.44 meters tall (8 feet tall) and 7.32 meters wide (24 feet wide).
NCAA soccer rules also state that the two vertical posts and the horizontal crossbar must be made from wood, metal pipes, or similar material, while the shape of all of the posts should be round, rectangular, or elliptical and they should be no less than four inches in width and diameter.
Image by Marino Bobetic
Indoor Soccer and Futsal Goals
Indoor soccer, arena soccer, or futsal, also has its own unique gameplay and soccer goal size rules. A typical indoor soccer goal measures approximately 2.7 meters wide (9 ft 10 in tall), 2 meters tall (6 ft 7 in tall), and has a depth of 1.0 meters (3 ft 7 in depth).
Examples of professional arena soccer or indoor soccer leagues include the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) of the United States.
Image by Alex Braga
Beach Soccer
In beach soccer competitions, you’ll find that posts tend to be wider yet shorter compared to grass counterparts – measuring roughly 2.2 meters tall (7.25 ft tall) by 5.46 meters wide (18 ft wide).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dimensions of a Premier League soccer goal?
The English Premier League follows FIFA’s rules and regulations for soccer goals, which means they also stand at 2.44 meters tall (8 ft tall) and 7.32 meters wide (24 ft wide).
What size are women’s soccer goals?
The size of women’s professional league or international competition soccer goals follows standard FIFA regulations: measuring in at an exact dimension of 2.44 meters tall (8 ft tall) and 7.32 meters wide (24 ft wide).
What are the benefits of having a soccer goal net in your backyard?
Investing money into a backyard soccer goal is one of the best ways to improve as a soccer player from the comfort of your home. A goal is one of the most important pieces of equipment that will help you train important soccer skills such as shooting at goal.
How can I learn more about the game?
To learn more about soccer the most important thing is to join a team and play the game as much as possible. If possible,analyze high level gamesas much as you can and your own games as well by recording them with asoccer camera. Also readsoccer books, listen topodcastsandinterviewswatchsoccer documentaries,as well as somemovies,tv shows,andanime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding soccer goal dimensions is fundamental for players, coaches, and organizers at every level of the game. In this blog, I covered everything that you need to know about the dimensions of different types of soccer goals, from goals used in professional leagues all the way down to the youth level.
