How Big Is a Soccer Goal? Every Age, Level, and Format

When it comes to soccer, the dimensions of the goal are more than just numbers—they shape the pace, strategy, and accessibility of the game. Whether you're coaching youth players, preparing for a high-level match, or setting up a backyard scrimmage, knowing the exact size of the soccer goal for each format is essential.

Outlined is the standard dimensions of soccer goals for all competitive levels and age groups, ranging from professional stadiums to 5-a-side futsal courts. We will provide all the essential information about soccer goal sizes—expressed in feet and meters—including their width, height, depth, and specific applications for each.

Regulation Soccer Goal Size (Full-Sized for Adults)

Stanhow-big-is-a-soccer-goal-every-age-level-and-formatdard Dimensions:

• Width: 24 feet (7.32 meters)

• Height: 8 feet (2.44 meters)

• Depth (Top): Varies, often 3–4 feet

• Depth (Bottom): 5–10 feet (depending on net design)

This is the FIFA-regulated size used in professional matches, international competitions, and most adult amateur leagues. The goalposts and crossbar must be no more than 5 inches (12 cm) in diameter and are traditionally made of metal or durable plastic with a white finish.

These dimensions are consistent across 11v11 play and are used in:

• FIFA World Cup matches

• UEFA Champions League

• NCAA college soccer (U.S.)

• Most high school and adult leagues

Youth Soccer Goal Dimensions by Age Group

Youth soccer goals are scaled-down versions to reflect developmental needs and promote better skill acquisition. Below is a breakdown by age group.

U6 – U7 (4 to 6 Years Old)

• Width: 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters)

• Height: 4 feet (1.2 meters)

These smaller goals help young players focus on learning the basics of kicking, passing, and shooting without the intimidation of a full-sized net.

U8 – U9 (7 to 8 Years Old)

• Width: 10 to 12 feet (3 to 3.7 meters)

• Height: 5 feet (1.5 meters)

Used in small-sided 4v4 or 7v7 formats, these goals support a transition to more structured play while still being manageable for young players.

U10 – U11 (9 to 10 Years Old)

• Width: 12 to 18 feet (3.7 to 5.5 meters)

• Height: 6 feet (1.8 meters)

At this age, players often begin competing in more organized leagues. Goal sizes increase to reflect the improved strength and tactical understanding of players.

U12 – U13 (11 to 12 Years Old)

• Width: 18 to 21 feet (5.5 to 6.4 meters)

• Height: 6 to 7 feet (1.8 to 2.1 meters)

U12 is often the last stage before players move to full-size fields and goals. The equipment mirrors the shift toward advanced skills and competitive positioning.

High School and College Soccer Goal Sizes (U.S.)

Despite different rules across organizations, the goal dimensions remain the same:

• Width: 24 feet (7.32 meters)

• Height: 8 feet (2.44 meters)

Both high school (NFHS) and collegiate soccer (NCAA) use goals identical in size to FIFA standards. However, net shape and anchoring systems may vary slightly.

Indoor Soccer Goal Dimensions

Indoor soccer is played in confined spaces with walls and turf, requiring smaller goals to accommodate rapid gameplay.

Standard Indoor Soccer Goals

• Width: 12 feet (3.66 meters)

• Height: 6.5 feet (1.98 meters)

Used for 6v6 or 7v7 formats, these goals are common in winter leagues, training facilities, and gymnasium-based matches.

Futsal Goal Size

Futsal is a FIFA-recognized variant played on hard courts, emphasizing foot skills and precision.

• Width: 10 feet (3 meters)

• Height: 6.5 feet (2 meters)

The crossbar and posts are often square or round, and the goals are portable or fixed depending on the venue.

5-a-Side Soccer Goal Dimensions

Played recreationally and competitively, 5-a-side soccer uses even smaller goals to keep scoring in check and emphasize skillful buildup.

• Width: 12 feet (3.66 meters)

• Height: 4 feet (1.22 meters)

These goals are typically used in artificial turf cages or enclosed mini-pitches.

7-a-Side and 9-a-Side Goal Sizes

7-a-Side Goals

• Width: 12 to 18 feet (3.66 to 5.5 meters)

• Height: 6 feet (1.83 meters)

9-a-Side Goals

• Width: 18.5 to 21 feet (5.6 to 6.4 meters)

• Height: 6.5 to 7 feet (2 to 2.13 meters)

These intermediate formats are popular in youth development programs across Europe and North America.

Goalpost Shape and Construction Materials

The structure of a goal affects performance and safety.

Common Materials:

• Aluminum: Lightweight and rust-resistant, used in portable goals.

• Steel: Strong and stable, ideal for permanent field installations.

• PVC: Cost-effective and safe for very young players.

Goalpost Shapes:

• Round: Most common in professional and amateur games.

• Square or Elliptical: Occasionally used, especially in futsal or training environments.

Goal Net Depths and Anchoring Options

Depths:

• Top Depth: 3 to 4 feet for full-size goals

• Bottom Depth: Up to 10 feet to accommodate deeper netting and reduce rebounds

Anchoring Methods:

• Ground Pegs or Stakes: For natural grass setups

• Sandbags or Counterweights: For turf or indoor fields

• Auger-Style Anchors: For semi-permanent use

Proper anchoring is not just practical—it’s a safety requirement in most youth and adult leagues.

Portable vs Permanent Soccer Goals

Portable Goals:

• Foldable or wheel-based

• Popular for training, schools, and multi-use fields

• Often made of aluminum or PVC

Permanent Goals:

• Anchored with concrete or underground sleeves

• Found in stadiums and long-term field setups

Each type serves different settings, from flexibility in youth training to the professional-level consistency of stadiums.

Backyard and Recreational Goals

For home use, goals range widely in size depending on the age of players and available space.

Small Pop-Up Goals:

• Width: 4 to 6 feet

• Height: 2.5 to 3.5 feet

• Ideal for toddlers, practice drills, and compact areas

Medium Training Goals:

• Width: 6 to 12 feet

• Height: 4 to 6 feet

• Used for shooting practice and small group training

Home goals are often collapsible and come with netting and basic anchoring solutions like weighted frames or Velcro straps.

Goal Sizes for Beach Soccer

Beach soccer is governed by FIFA rules, though the goals are different from standard formats due to the unique playing surface.

• Width: 18 feet (5.5 meters)

• Height: 7.2 feet (2.2 meters)

Played on soft sand with 5 players per side, this version encourages aerial play and acrobatic finishes, so goals are wider and slightly taller than futsal but smaller than 11-a-side goals.

Comparing Soccer Goal Sizes: A Quick Reference Table

Game Format	Width (ft)	Height (ft)	Age Group / Use Case
Full-Size (11v11)	24	8	Adults, Pro, College
U6–U7	6–8	4	Ages 4–6
U8–U9	10–12	5	Ages 7–8
U10–U11	12–18	6	Ages 9–10
U12–U13	18–21	6–7	Ages 11–12
Indoor	12	6.5	Gym/Indoor Turf Leagues
Futsal	10	6.5	Court-based soccer
5-a-Side	12	4	Recreational, Urban Soccer
7-a-Side	12–18	6	Intermediate Youth
9-a-Side	18.5–21	6.5–7	Pre-11v11 Developmental Leagues
Beach Soccer	18	7.2	Professional Beach Soccer

Why Goal Size Matters

The dimensions of a soccer goal are more than regulations—they directly influence how the game is played. For youth, smaller goals build confidence and refine technique. For professionals, standardized full-size goals uphold fairness and competitiveness. For indoor and recreational settings, adjusted goal sizes ensure the game remains fun and accessible.

Whether you're setting up a tournament, outfitting a training ground, or just curious about the numbers behind the posts, understanding soccer goal sizes across formats is foundational knowledge for anyone involved in the game.