Soccer Goal Size Guide: Official Dimensions for Every Age & Level

Learn the official soccer goal size for every age group and match format. Complete guide with FIFA, youth, indoor, futsal dimensions, charts & FAQs.

Nov 13, 2025 - 03:23 Updated: Nov 13, 2025 - 03:23

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Soccer Goal Size

Choosing the right soccer goal size is essential for fair play, proper skill development, and player safety. Whether you're a coach, parent, player, or field manager, understanding official goal dimensions helps ensure you’re following league rules and using the correct equipment for each age group.

Soccer goal sizes vary depending on the match format—such as 11v11, 9v9, 7v7, 5v5—and the age of the players. This guide breaks down all official measurements used by FIFA, US Youth Soccer, The FA, NFHS, and other major organizations.

Official Soccer Goal Size Standards

Below is a simple table summarizing the most commonly used soccer goal sizes at every age level:

Age Group	Match Format	Width	Height	Typical Depth	Standards
U6	3v3 / 4v4	4 ft – 6 ft	3 ft – 4 ft	2 ft – 3 ft	US Youth Soccer, The FA
U8	5v5	4 ft x 6 ft OR 6 ft x 12 ft	4 ft – 6 ft	2 ft – 4 ft	USYS, AYSO
U10	7v7	18.5 ft x 6.5 ft	6.5 ft	4–6 ft	USYS
U12	9v9	18.5 ft x 6.5 ft	6.5 ft	4–6 ft	USYS, FA
U13–Adult	11v11	24 ft x 8 ft	8 ft	6–8 ft	FIFA Standard
Indoor	Indoor / Arena	12 ft x 6 ft	6 ft	Varies	Local
Futsal	Futsal	9.8 ft x 6.6 ft	6.6 ft	3–4 ft	FIFA Futsal

FIFA Regulation Soccer Goal Size (Adult Level)

For all professional, college, senior, and international matches, the official soccer goal size approved by FIFA is:

Width: 24 ft (7.32 m)
Height: 8 ft (2.44 m)
Depth: 6–8 ft (varies by model)

These goals are used in:

FIFA World Cup
English Premier League
La Liga
MLS
College matches (NCAA)
High school matches (NFHS)

Why This Size?

The 24x8 ft dimensions create the ideal challenge for elite athletes, balancing scoring difficulty with goalkeeping ability. The width allows wide-range shooting angles, while the height offers a balanced scoring window for headers and long-range shots.

Materials Used

Regulation goals are commonly made from:

Powder-coated steel
Aluminum (lightweight for portability)
Square or round posts
Depth ranging from box-style (deep) to European-style (rounded)

Youth Soccer Goal Sizes by Age Group

Youth soccer does NOT use full-sized goals until around age 13. This ensures kids play with equipment scaled to their height, strength, and developmental stage.

U6 Soccer Goal Size (Under-6)

Typical Size: 4 ft x 6 ft (1.2 m x 1.8 m)
Formats: 3v3 or 4v4
Purpose: Fun, coordination, basic shooting accuracy

These tiny goals are perfect for toddlers and beginners exploring the sport safely.

U8 Soccer Goal Size (Under-8)

Typical Size: 4 ft x 6 ft OR 6 ft x 12 ft
Formats: 4v4 or 5v5

Depending on the league, U8 teams may still use mini-goals or transition to wider ones to prepare for real match play.

Why This Size?

Supports developing foot strength
Gives kids better scoring chances
Encourages teamwork and passing

U10 Soccer Goal Size (Under-10)

Official Size: 6.5 ft x 18.5 ft (2 m x 5.6 m)
Format: 7v7

This is the first “big” goal kids use, helping with:

Longer shots
Expanded field awareness
Early goalkeeper development

Most US Youth Soccer and FA leagues follow this standard.

U12 Soccer Goal Size (Under-12)

Official Size: 6.5 ft x 18.5 ft
Format: 9v9

This transitional stage prepares young players for full-size 11v11 fields.

Benefits:

Introduces more structured team formations
Improves shooting skills with more realistic spacing
Still manageable for young goalkeepers

High School & College Soccer Goal Size

At the high school and college levels, the soccer goal size is the exact same as FIFA:

24 ft x 8 ft

Organizations using this size:

NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations)
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)

Why It Matters

Uniformity ensures players can transition smoothly between local, national, and international competitions.

Indoor Soccer Goal Sizes

Indoor soccer requires smaller goals because the field is smaller and the pace is faster.

Standard Indoor Goal Size

12 ft x 6 ft (3.6 m x 1.8 m)

Indoor soccer tends to feature:

Higher-scoring matches
Continuous play off the walls
Smaller goalkeepers’ boxes

Differences from Outdoor Soccer

Fast-paced shooting
Lower crossbars
Thicker padding for safety

Futsal Goal Size

Futsal (FIFA’s official indoor variant) uses a unique goal size:

Width: 9.8 ft (3 m)
Height: 6.6 ft (2 m)
Depth: 3–4 ft

Why the Smaller Goal?

Futsal focuses on:

Ball control
Quick passes
Close-range finishing

Smaller goals reward accuracy over power.

Different Soccer Goal Types Explained

Different settings require different goal types. Below are the most common options.

Portable Soccer Goals

Made from PVC or aluminum
Easy to collapse and transport
Great for:
- Training
- Parks
- Weekend games

Pros: Affordable, lightweight
Cons: Less durable for heavy use

Permanent / Fixed Goals

Installed in school fields or stadiums
Usually steel or thick aluminum
Best for high-level or official matches

Pros: Strong, weather-resistant
Cons: Not portable, higher cost

Pop-Up Mini Goals

Used for practice sessions
Sizes range from 2 ft – 4 ft
Perfect for agility and accuracy training

Backyard Soccer Goals

Recreational use
Sizes vary widely: 4 ft to 12 ft wide
Made from PVC or steel

Ideal for fun, shooting practice, and family games.

How to Choose the Right Soccer Goal Size

When selecting a goal, consider:

Age of Players

Goal sizes must match developmental stages.

League Regulations

Different organizations (FIFA, FA, USYS, AYSO) follow specific standards.

Field Size

Smaller fields require proportionate goals.

Purpose of Use

Training?
Match play?
School sports?
Backyard fun?

Safety Requirements

Goals must be properly anchored to prevent tipping accidents.

Soccer Goal Size Chart (Easy Reference)

Category	Size (W × H)
FIFA / Adult	24 ft x 8 ft
U12 (9v9)	18.5 ft x 6.5 ft
U10 (7v7)	18.5 ft x 6.5 ft
U8 (5v5)	4x6 ft or 6x12 ft
U6 (3v3)	4x6 ft
Indoor Soccer	12x6 ft
Futsal	9.8x6.6 ft
Backyard Goals	4 ft – 12 ft

Recommended Soccer Goal Materials & Safety Standards

Choosing the right goal isn’t just about size—it’s also about durability and safety.

Frame Materials

Aluminum

Lightweight
Rust-resistant
Most common for portable goals

Steel

Heavy-duty
Ideal for permanent installations

PVC

Lightweight and cheap
Best for kids or backyard use

Net Materials

Polyethylene (most common)
Knotless netting
Weatherproof coatings
Mesh sizes between 100–120 mm

Safety Considerations

Always anchor goals using sandbags, stakes, or weights
Avoid metal edges during youth play
Ensure stability on windy days
Check for wear and tear regularly

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the official soccer goal size?

The official FIFA soccer goal size is 24 ft x 8 ft.

2. What size goal is used for 7v7 soccer?

7v7 (usually U10) uses 18.5 ft x 6.5 ft goals.

3. Are youth soccer goal sizes the same worldwide?

Mostly yes—FIFA-aligned countries follow similar standards, but some leagues vary slightly.

4. What is the difference between futsal and soccer goals?

Futsal goals are smaller: 9.8 ft x 6.6 ft, designed for close-range accuracy.

5. Are portable soccer goals safe?

Yes—if properly anchored and used for the correct age group.

Conclusion

Understanding the correct soccer goal size for each age group and match format ensures fair play, proper development, and safety. Whether you're buying goals for a school, league, or backyard, always follow official standards and choose equipment suited to your players’ needs.