Buying Soccer Goals

How to Buy Soccer Goals

Soccer Goals are central to creating a "competitive" and fun environment. Who doesn't love scoring goals? The "right" soccer goal is determined primarily by your needs based around age, use, budget and size of area. This buying guide will familiarize you with the various number of options and help you choose what soccer goal is best for your needs.

Types of Goals

There are three general types of soccer goals that center around how you will use of the goal.

Official Goals

Official soccer goals are necessary for official "game play" and are also used during training sessions to simulate certain activities. These are constructed of aluminum for the optimum mix of durability, stability, and weight considerations. An official goal has a 4" face (the posts are 4" wide). Official goals normally do not include nets.

Small Goals/Backyard Soccer Goals

These goals are great for training sessions when playing small-sided games and backyard fun. Normally, these are constructed of plastic or steel. Since these goals are smaller, they are lighter and more portable for players to drag around the field. As such, we recommend the steel soccer goals because of their durability. While they will cost more, the overall length of use is superior.

Training Goals

These goals are designed for training sessions to maximize field space and focus on increased repetitions of shooting and playing. These simulate a goal and can be used for shooting practice on both sides. There are nets that rebound the ball or simply have it stop at the frame. These training goals are perfect for clubs or the player who just shoots, shoots, shoots in the backyard.

Goal Materials

Aluminum
The right combination of weight, durability and weather resistance. This is the choice over steel because it is lighter (both shipping and safety considerations) as well as rust-resistant
Steel
Primarily used in the budget official goals, best backyard goals and training goals. Durability and portability is the key consideration as these types of goals get the most use in everyday training sessions.
Plastic (PVC)
Plastic goals are an inexpensive way to get a backyard goal or small goal. It is lightweight and less expensive, but it is significantly less durable.

Goal Sizes

Goals come in range of sizes and should be "age appropriate" for its specific use. The following are guidelines based around our experience. Your specific community may have different standards, so please check.
  • U6 - use will vary depending on structure of play (3v3, 4v4, 6v6). We recommend 3x4 goals
  • U7-U8 - normally, these players use 6.5 x12 or 6.5 x 18 goals
  • U9-U11 - most organizations use 6.5 x 18 or 7 x 21. We are seeing a shift to the 6.5 x 18 version.
  • U12 and above - regulation 8' x 24' official soccer goals

Goal Safety

Goals can become safety hazards if not secured properly. All of the goals offered for sale here are made with consumer safety as the #1 priority. As soccer people, we want you to enjoy your goal all year long and do so in a safe manner. Please make sure that everyone in your organization understands the following:
  • securely anchor or counter-weight goals
  • check all connecting hardware before each use
  • when goals are not in use, tip down on the face, chain goals to a nearby fence or store in a secure area
We offer a number of goal accessories to ensure the goal is properly anchored.

Goal Accessories


Nets
Most small and training goals come with a standard net - don't sweat it. Most official goals do not include a net, so you have to purchase one in addition to the goal. We recommend the 3mm (refers to net strength) for the best value of durability and price. Plan to replace your nets every 2-3 years based on care and level of use.

If you are buying a net for an existing goal, it is important you take measurements before you place your order as goal construction varies from different companies. This can get tricky, so if you are confused, please call us. See this soccer goal diagram for information.

Net Attachments
We recommend that you purchase net attachments like velcro to ensure a good, tight net.

Goal Anchors
Perhaps the most important goal accessory for safety. We offer J-stakes, ground augers and sandbags. For liability and safety's sake, please invest in these items.