Short answer: Soccer goal size is set by the pitch format (11v11, 9v9, 7v7, 5v5, futsal) and the age group that plays it — not by preference. The regulation sizes are 24'×8' for full-size 11v11 (U15+/adult), 16'×7' for 9v9 (U11–U12), 12'×6' for 7v7 mini-soccer (U9–U10), and 8'×4' or smaller for 5v5/futsal and backyards. This guide gives every size, the official source behind it, and how to choose when one set of goals has to serve several age groups.
We're Eco Walker, by TAY Sports — we manufacture portable soccer goals in every regulation size and ship them to clubs, schools, and academies worldwide. Sizing is the single most common question we get, so here's the complete reference.
The full soccer goal size chart
| Format | Age group | Goal size (imperial) | Goal size (metric) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11v11 full-size | U15+ / adult | 24' × 8' | 7.32m × 2.44m | IFAB Law 1 |
| 9v9 | U11–U12 | 16' × 7' | 4.88m × 2.13m | U.S. Soccer / FA |
| 7v7 mini-soccer | U9–U10 | 12' × 6' | 3.66m × 1.83m | U.S. Soccer / FA |
| 5v5 mini-soccer | U7–U8 | 12' × 6' or 8' × 4' | 3.66m×1.83m / 2.44m×1.22m | FA mini-soccer |
| Futsal | all ages | 10' × 6.5' | 3m × 2m | FIFA Futsal |
| Backyard / first goal | any | 6' × 4' and smaller | 1.83m × 1.22m and smaller | recreational |
These are the dimensions the governing bodies actually publish. Full-size 24'×8' is fixed by IFAB Law 1 and is identical worldwide for adult and U15+ competitive play. The youth sizes follow the U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiatives and England FA mini-soccer pathways, which most national federations mirror.
For the age-to-size pathway in detail, see our football goal size by age (UEFA pathway) guide and our soccer goal size guide. Want it done for you? Our goal size calculator takes age and format and returns the size.
11v11 — full-size (24' × 8')
The standard adult and U15+ goal: 24 feet wide × 8 feet tall (7.32m × 2.44m), measured to the inside of the posts. This is set by IFAB Law 1 and doesn't vary by country or competition level. If you're equipping a senior pitch, a high school varsity field, or any U15+ competitive match, this is the only correct size.
9v9 — the U11–U12 step-up (16' × 7')
When players move to 9v9 (typically U11–U12), the goal grows to 16' × 7' (4.88m × 2.13m). This is the most-skipped size — clubs often try to stretch a 12'×6' or jump straight to full-size, and neither matches the format. If your program runs a true 9v9 age group, budget for 16'×7' goals specifically.
7v7 mini-soccer (12' × 6')
The 7v7 mini-soccer goal is 12' × 6' (3.66m × 1.83m), for roughly U9–U10. This is the workhorse size for grassroots and school programs — big enough to play properly, small enough that one coach can manage setup if the goal is light. It's our single most-ordered size for clubs.
5v5 & futsal (8' × 4' / 10' × 6.5')
5v5 mini-soccer (U7–U8) uses either 12'×6' or a smaller 8' × 4' (2.44m × 1.22m) depending on the league. Futsal is its own format with a 3m × 2m (≈10' × 6.5') goal under FIFA Futsal rules. If you run indoor 5-a-side or futsal, confirm which your league mandates before ordering — they aren't interchangeable.
Backyard & first goals (6' × 4' and under)
For home use, a first goal, or young children, 6' × 4' (1.83m × 1.22m) and smaller sizes — down to 4'×3' and 3'×2' — are the right call. They're not regulation for match play, but they're correct for skill work, small-space training, and kids. See our backyard soccer goal size guide for choosing among them.
How to size goals for a mixed-age program
Most clubs and schools don't have one age group — they have five. Three practical rules:
- Buy to the format, not the average. A club running U8 (5v5), U10 (7v7), and U12 (9v9) needs three goal sizes, not one compromise size. Trying to share goals across formats means at least one age group plays on the wrong goal.
- Prioritize the formats you play most. If 80% of your sessions are 7v7, weight the order toward 12'×6' and add the others as budget allows.
- Portability lets one inventory serve more pitches. This is the practical case for lightweight goals: a set of portable 12'×6' and 16'×7' goals can be carried between pitches and stored compactly, so a smaller inventory covers more sessions. With heavy steel goals, each pitch effectively needs its own permanent set. (More on that trade-off in our how to choose a soccer goal guide.)
A note on measuring
Goal dimensions are measured to the inside edge of the posts and the underside of the crossbar — not the outside. A "12×6" goal is 12 feet of opening, 6 feet of clearance. When comparing suppliers, confirm they quote inside dimensions; reputable manufacturers always do.
Buying in volume?
If you're equipping a multi-age club, a school district, or an academy, browse the full size range in our soccer goals collection, or request bulk pricing — tell us the formats and quantities and we'll come back with a per-size breakdown and tiered pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard soccer goal size? The standard full-size soccer goal is 24 feet wide by 8 feet tall (7.32m × 2.44m), measured to the inside of the posts. This is fixed by IFAB Law 1 and is the same worldwide for adult and U15+ competitive play.
What size soccer goal for U10? U10 plays 7v7 mini-soccer, which uses a 12' × 6' goal (3.66m × 1.83m). U9 uses the same size. When players move up to 9v9 at U11–U12, the goal increases to 16' × 7'.
What size is a 9v9 soccer goal? A 9v9 goal is 16 feet wide by 7 feet tall (4.88m × 2.13m), used for roughly U11–U12. It's an in-between size that clubs often skip — a true 9v9 program needs this size specifically, not a stretched 12×6 or a jump to full-size.
What size is a futsal goal? A futsal goal is 3m × 2m (about 10' × 6.5') under FIFA Futsal rules. It is a distinct format from outdoor 5-a-side and the goals are not interchangeable, so confirm which your league requires.
How are soccer goals measured? Goals are measured to the inside edge of the posts and the underside of the crossbar — the actual opening — not the outer frame. A 12×6 goal gives 12 feet of width and 6 feet of height of clear opening.