Choosing the right football goal size can be confusing.
Football goals come in several different dimensions depending on the age of the players, format of football and type of facility.
A full-size 11-a-side football goal measures 24ft x 8ft, but younger age groups use smaller goals designed to suit the size of the pitch and the development of the players.
Whether you're buying football goals for a grassroots football club, school, academy, training facility or home, this guide explains the main football goal sizes used in the UK and helps you choose the right size for your requirements.
16X7
4X2.5
5.5M x 2.2M
3M x 2M
What Size Are 3v3 Football Goals?
Typical goal size: 4ft x 2.5ft
3v3 football uses very small goals because it is designed around small-sided, fast-paced football.
These goals are particularly useful for:
-Young players
-Football academies
-Small-sided training
-Skills sessionsSmall gardens
-Football coaching
Their compact size also makes them considerably easier to transport and store than larger football goals.
For clubs and coaches, 3v3 goals can be a useful addition even when they aren't being purchased specifically for competitive 3v3 football. They allow coaches to divide a full pitch into several smaller training areas and keep more players involved.
Recommended for: Mini football, academies, coaching and small-sided training.
What Size Goals Are Used for 5v5 Football?
Goal size: 12ft x 6ft
A 12ft x 6ft football goal is one of the most versatile junior football goal sizes. It is commonly associated with 5v5 football for U7 and U8 players. The smaller dimensions are much more appropriate for younger players than a full-size goal, particularly for developing goalkeepers.
However, 12ft x 6ft goals aren't limited to 5v5 football. The same size is also commonly used for 7v7 football, making 12ft x 6ft goals particularly useful for grassroots clubs that operate several junior teams.
Who should consider a 12ft x 6ft goal?A 12x6 football goal is particularly suitable for: Grassroots clubs, primary schools, football academies, junior football teams and training facilities. For organisations needing goals to serve several different teams, 12ft x 6ft can therefore be one of the most useful sizes to own.
What Size Goals Are Used for 7v7 Football?
Goal size: 12ft x 6ft
7v7 football is commonly played by U9 and U10 teams, with a goal measuring 12ft wide by 6ft high. This means clubs moving players from 5v5 into 7v7 football don't necessarily need to replace their goals.
The pitch becomes larger and the number of players increases, while the goal dimensions remain suitable for junior players.
When purchasing 7v7 football goals, it's therefore worth considering more than just their dimensions.
Depending on your facility, you may want:
- Freestanding goals – flexible positioning around the pitch.
- Folding goals – useful where goals need to be stored after use.
- Wheeled/transportable goals – useful for clubs regularly moving larger goals.
- Socketed goals – suited to pitches where goals can remain in a designated position.
This is where choosing the type of goal becomes just as important as choosing its size.
What Size Are 9v9 Football Goals?
Goal size: 16ft x 7ft
When players progress to U11 and U12 football, they typically move into the 9v9 format.
The goal increases to: 16ft wide x 7ft high. This provides an important transition between junior 12x6 goals and larger 11-a-side football goals.
A 16x7 goal gives attacking players a larger target while still keeping the goal appropriately proportioned for younger goalkeepers.
For clubs purchasing new 9v9 goals, portability and storage become increasingly important because a 16ft aluminium goal is substantially larger than a 12ft junior goal.
If the same playing area is used by several teams, folding or transportable goal systems can make changing pitch configurations considerably easier.
What Size Goals Do U13 and U14 Use?
Goal size: 21ft x 7ft
Players progressing into 11v11 football don't necessarily move immediately onto a full-size 24x8 goal.
For U13 and U14 football, a 21ft x 7ft goal provides an intermediate size.
This allows young players to experience the tactical and positional changes associated with 11-a-side football without immediately introducing the dimensions of a full adult goal.
For clubs with teams covering a wide range of ages, this is an important size to consider when planning their goal requirements.
What Size Is a Full-Size Football Goal?
The dimensions of a traditional full-size football goal are:
24ft x 8ft or approximately 7.32m x 2.44m
These are the familiar goal dimensions used for adult 11-a-side football.
Full-size football goals are available in several different configurations depending on the facility.
These can include:
- Freestanding aluminium goals
- Folding aluminium goals
- Wheeled/transportable goals
- Socketed aluminium or steel goals
For a football club, school or facility, choosing between these designs generally comes down to where the goals will be used, how frequently they need moving and where they will be stored.
