Table of Contents
- Soccer goal by age chart
- Why do different age groups require different-sized goals?
- What soccer goal size for young kids?
- What soccer goal size for youths?
- What soccer goal size for youths?
- What soccer goal size for adults?
- Do men and women play with the same sized soccer goals?
- Ideal soccer goals for kids
- Recap: Soccer goal size by age
If you’ve ever stood between the posts of a full-sized, adult goal as a child, you’ll know just how large the frame seems and wonder how on Earth any goalkeeper can keep a clean sheet.
Yet the older we get, the less daunting the challenge appears, making it entirely reasonable that goalframes are adjusted to whatever age group you are playing in. As we’ll discover, it’s not just the shot-stoppers who benefit from smaller goals at youth levels.
In this article, we’ll explore the different sizes of goals that are used when playing soccer and the reasons behind those measurements.
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Soccer goal by age chart
US Youth Soccer, which is a registered FIFA governing body within the United States for soccer at youth levels, offers guidance on the recommended goal sizes.
Organizers can decrease these sizes within reason depending on the length or width of the soccer field, but the largest goal sizes US Youth Soccer suggests are as follows:
| Age Group | Maximum recommended goal dimensions |
| Under 6, under 7, and under 8 | 4ft high, 6ft wide |
| Under 9 and under 10 | 6ft 6in high, 18ft 6in wide |
| Under 11 and under 12 | 7ft high, 21ft wide |
| Under 13 and older (including adults) | 8ft high, 24ft wide |
Why do different age groups require different-sized goals?
In bygone eras, children were asked to play in adult-sized goals, which seemed incredibly unfair to goalkeepers who were yet to develop fully in size.
Thankfully, nowadays there is more consideration for those shot-stoppers in many youth leagues.
It’s important that children and teenagers enjoy the sport, and having reasonable and achievable targets is key to keeping enthusiasm high. For that reason, having goals sized so that goalkeepers can actually make saves, rather than seeing the ball fly out of reach of them on a regular basis, will ensure they want to carry on playing.
The same logic applies to goalscorers too. Yes, the feeling of scoring is unmatched within the game, but if your wayward effort accidentally finds its way in, it doesn’t feel as challenging or rewarding as if you’ve placed the ball exactly where you intended and beat the ‘keeper.
Reducing the goal size is crucial to their development. It encourages precise finishing and razor-sharp focus when shooting on goal.
What soccer goal size for young kids?
The recommendation for the maximation size of a goal for young children, at least according to US Youth Soccer, is 4 feet high by 6 feet wide.
Unsurprisingly, this is the smallest suggested goalframe of all age groups.
What soccer goal size for youths?
The first increase in the size of goals a child will encounter is when they reach the under-9 age group.
Goals will remain 6 feet, 6 inches high by 18 feet, 6 inches wide for 2 years. Then, when children reach the under-11 category, their maximum recommended goal size becomes 7 feet high by 21 feet wide.
What soccer goal size for youths?
The first increase in the size of goals a child will encounter is when they reach the under-9 age group.
Goals will remain 6 feet, 6 inches high by 18 feet, 6 inches wide for 2 years. Then, when children reach the under-11 category, their maximum recommended goal size becomes 7 feet high by 21 feet wide.
What soccer goal size for adults?
At the under-13 level and beyond, players are recommended to play in goals no bigger than 8 feet high by 24 feet wide, which is the adult size as dictated by FIFA.
Hopefully, the years of development in smaller goal sizes before youths reach this level will have them well-equipped to play with the largest goals legally allowed.
Do men and women play with the same sized soccer goals?
Yes, men and women play in the same-sized goals throughout each age group.
There has been some debate about whether this should remain the case for adults considering the average height of men and women differs.
One of the most respected names and renowned coaches in women’s soccer, Emma Hayes, controverserly stated that she’d be in favor of women playing in smaller goals as it would benefit the sport for women everywhere.
Others, such as the retired shot-stopper Siobhan Chamberlain, feel that the idea is a poor one, putting whatever differences in standard that might exist down to a historical lack of investment in the women’s game and that if parallel resources were attributed to women’s soccer as much as men’s, the gulf wouldn’t be so wide.
Ideal soccer goals for kids
Getting the backyard practise in as a child is always beneficial, and having a high-quality goal to use makes it even better.
The goalframe you should choose will depend on the space you have and the age of the child playing, so make that part of your consideration.
RUNBOW Portable Soccer Goal
This kids’ soccer goal from RUNBOW wonderful option for this who have the afforded space to fit a 6-feet wide goal on their property. This isn’t just for home, though; the RUNBOW goal has a carry bag that allows you to fold it away and transport it to a local park or open space.
Coming in a range of colors and even with the option to buy two for a reduced price, this would not only make a great addition to your child’s development, but can be used by anyone looking to improve their finishing.
L RUNNZER Portable Soccer Goal
A smaller size within a more tighter budget, the L RUNNZER goal measures at a compact 3.3 feet wide by 2.2 feet high, making it a more attractive choice when space is at a premium.
Larger size frames are available for a higher fee. This lightweight and easy-to-assemble goal will no doubt provide hours of entertainment and practise for youngsters.
Recap: Soccer goal size by age
The size in which players play is crucial to their development. If the goals are too large then it halts the growth of their skill set. If the goals are too small as youngsters grow, they could become disheartened by unachievable objectives.
Selecting the appropriate sizes from US Youth Soccer guidance benefits both player and coach alike.
Ever wondered why the soccer goal is sometimes called the woodwork? Find out why in this article!