In short: Soccer goal size is set by the pitch format (11-a-side, 9-a-side, 7-a-side, 5-a-side, futsal) and the age group that plays it — not by preference. The regulation sizes are 7.32 × 2.44 m for full-size 11-a-side (U15+/adult), 4.88 × 2.13 m for 9-a-side (U11–U12), 3.66 × 1.83 m for 7-a-side mini-soccer (U9–U10), and 2.44 × 1.22 m or smaller for 5-a-side and backyard. This guide gives every size, the official source behind it, and how to choose when one set of goals must serve several age groups.
We're Eco Walker — we manufacture portable soccer goals in every regulation size and ship to clubs, schools, and academies worldwide. Sizing is the most common question we receive, so here is the complete reference.
The full soccer goal size chart
| Format | Age group | Goal size (metric) | Goal size (imperial) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-a-side (full-size) | U15+ / adult | 7.32 × 2.44 m | 24' × 8' | IFAB Law 1 |
| 9-a-side | U11–U12 | 4.88 × 2.13 m | 16' × 7' | FA / U.S. Soccer |
| 7-a-side mini-soccer | U9–U10 | 3.66 × 1.83 m | 12' × 6' | FA mini-soccer |
| 5-a-side mini-soccer | U7–U8 | 3.66 × 1.83 m or 2.44 × 1.22 m | 12' × 6' or 8' × 4' | FA mini-soccer |
| Futsal | all ages | 3 × 2 m | 10' × 6.5' | FIFA Futsal |
| Backyard / first goal | any | 1.83 × 1.22 m and smaller | 6' × 4' and under | recreational |
Full-size 7.32 × 2.44 m is fixed by IFAB Law 1 and is identical worldwide for adult and U15+ competitive play. Youth sizes follow the England FA mini-soccer pathway and U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiatives, which most national federations mirror.
11-a-side — full-size (7.32 × 2.44 m)
The standard adult and U15+ goal: 7.32 m wide × 2.44 m tall (24' × 8'), measured to the inside of the posts. Fixed by IFAB Law 1, it does not vary by country or competition level. If you're equipping a senior pitch, a school first-XI field, or any U15+ competitive fixture, this is the only correct size.
9-a-side — the U11–U12 step-up (4.88 × 2.13 m)
When players move to 9-a-side (typically U11–U12), the goal grows to 4.88 × 2.13 m (16' × 7'). This is the most-skipped size — clubs often stretch a 3.66 × 1.83 m goal or jump straight to full-size, and neither matches the format. If your programme runs a true 9-a-side age group, budget specifically for 4.88 × 2.13 m goals.
7-a-side mini-soccer (3.66 × 1.83 m)
The 7-a-side goal is 3.66 × 1.83 m (12' × 6'), for roughly U9–U10. This is the workhorse size for grassroots and school programmes — large enough to play properly, light enough for one coach to manage setup with a portable goal. It is our single most-ordered size for clubs.
5-a-side & futsal (2.44 × 1.22 m / 3 × 2 m)
5-a-side mini-soccer (U7–U8) uses either 3.66 × 1.83 m or a smaller 2.44 × 1.22 m (8' × 4') depending on the league. Futsal is its own format with a 3 × 2 m (≈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 are not interchangeable.
Backyard & first goals (1.83 × 1.22 m and under)
For home use, a first goal, or young children, 1.83 × 1.22 m (6' × 4') and smaller are the right choice. Not regulation for match play, but ideal for skill work, small-space training, and young children.
How to size goals for a mixed-age programme
Most clubs and schools have several age groups, not one. Three practical rules:
- Buy to the format, not the average. A club running U8 (5-a-side), U10 (7-a-side), and U12 (9-a-side) needs three goal sizes, not one compromise. Sharing goals across formats means at least one age group plays on the wrong goal.
- Prioritise the formats you run most. If 80% of your sessions are 7-a-side, weight the order toward 3.66 × 1.83 m goals and add the others as budget allows.
- Portability lets one inventory serve more pitches. Portable goals can be moved 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 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 underside of the crossbar — the actual opening — not the outer frame. A 12 × 6 goal gives 3.66 m of width and 1.83 m of height of clear opening. When comparing suppliers, confirm they quote inside dimensions.
Browse the full size range in our soccer goals collection, or request bulk pricing — tell us the formats and quantities and we'll reply with a per-size breakdown and tiered pricing.