Soccer Goal Size Guide

When determining the right soccer goal size to buy the predominant factors to consider are player age and the level of play. Below is a handy soccer goal size guide listing the required goal dimensions and materials from youth leagues to the pros.

High School (NFHS) Soccer Goal Rules:

Size: 8’H x 24’W
Goal post diameter must be between 3”-5”
Goal face must be painted white
Goal post shape can be round, square, rectangular or elliptical
Goal must be anchored, secured, or counterweighted to ground

Complete high school goal requirements from NFHS soccer rule book:

"The goals shall be placed on the goal line. They shall consist of two upright posts between 4 inches and 5 inches in projected diameter placed an equal distance from the corner flags and 8 yards apart (inside measurement). The rear of each goalpost shall be on the outer edge of the goal line. The tops of the posts shall be joined by a 4-inch, but not more than 5-inch horizontal crossbar, the lower edge of which shall be 8 feet from the ground. Soccer goals shall be white. No markings other than a single manufacturer’s identification/logo may appear on the goal posts or crossbar."

"Metal pipes of 3 to 4 inches in diameter may be used. If portable goals are used, they shall be adequately anchored, secured, or counterweighted to the ground."

College (NCAA) Soccer Goal Rules:

Size: 8’H x 24’W
Goal post diameter must be between 4”-5”
Goal face must be painted white
Goal post shape can be round, square, rectangular or elliptical
Goal must be anchored, secured, or counterweighted to ground

Complete college goal requirements from NCAA soccer rule book:

"The goals shall be anchored, secured or counterweighted. The goal posts, which shall be superimposed on end lines of the same width and depth, shall consist of two posts, equidistant from the corner flags and 8 yards apart (inside measurement), joined by a horizontal crossbar of similar material, the lower edge of which shall be 8 feet from the ground. Note: If the above cannot be corrected before the start of competition, the game shall not begin and the referee shall file a report with the governing sports authority."

"The width or diameter of the goalposts and crossbar shall not be less than 4 inches nor more than 5 inches, and the same width as the goal line. The back edge of the goalpost must align with the outermost edge of the end line. The posts and crossbar may be square, rectangular, round, or elliptical in shape, and shall be painted white. In addition, no markings other than a single manufacturer’s identification/logo of appropriate size may appear on the goalposts or the crossbar. Note: If any of these cannot be corrected before the start of competition, the game shall begin and the referee shall file a report with the governing sports authority."

Youth League (USYS, AYSO) Soccer Goal Rules:

In youth soccer leagues, the size of the goal depends on the age of the players. The two largest governing bodies for youth soccer, US Youth Soccer (USYS) and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), use maximum goal size recommendations based on player age group.

U6, U7, U8: 4'H x 6'W maximum
U9, U10: 6’6″H x 18’6″W maximum
U11, U12: 7'H x 21'W maximum
U13+: 8'H x 24'W

Futsal Goal Rules:

Futsal is soccer played on a hard surface that is smaller than a traditional soccer field. The smaller playing surface helps young players increase their skill and confidence by allowing them more ball touches. Futsal is typically played indoors.

Size: 6'7"H x 9'10"W (2M x 3M)
Goal posts & crossbar must be a different color than playing surface

Complete goal requirements from Futsal rule book:

"A goal must be placed on the center of each goal line. A goal consists of two upright posts equidistant from the corners and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The goalposts and crossbar must be made of wood, metal or other approved material. They must be square, rectangular, round or elliptical in shape and must not be dangerous to players. The distance (inside measurement) between the posts is 3m and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2m. Both goalposts and the crossbar have the same width and depth, 8cm. The nets must be made of hemp, jute or nylon or other approved material and are attached to the back of the goalposts and the crossbar with a suitable means of support. They must be properly supported and must not interfere with the goalkeeper. The goalposts and crossbars must be of a different color from the pitch. The goals must have a stabilizing system that prevents them from overturning. Portable goals may only be used if they satisfy this requirement."

Professional (FIFA) Soccer Goal Rules:

Size: 8’H x 24’W
Goal post diameter must be between 4”-5”
Goal face must be painted white
Goal post shape can be round, square, rectangular or elliptical
Goal must be anchored, secured, or counterweighted to ground

Complete professional goal requirements from FIFA rule book:

"A goal consists of two vertical posts equidistant from the corner flagposts and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The goalposts and crossbar must be made of approved material. They must be square, rectangular, round or elliptical in shape and must not be dangerous. The distance between the inside of the posts is 7.32 m (8 yds) and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2.44 m (8 ft). The goalposts and the crossbar must be white and have the same width and depth, which must not exceed 12 cm (5 ins). Safety – Goals (including portable goals) must be firmly secured to the ground."