Football Goal FAQs - Sizes, prices & Buying advice
Buying & Choosing Football Goals
What is the advantage of choosing the ITSA GOAL self-build aluminium goal post over a plastic goal?
The self-build aluminium goals feature a larger, rigid and, most importantly, straight aluminium crossbar. The posts include rear twist-and-lock net fixings, similar to those used on elite professional goals, which extend net life and make fitting quicker, easier and neater. There’s no need to pull nets around the posts or clip the net to itself to hold it in place.
These goals are an ideal replacement for plastic mini-soccer and youth 9v9 football goals, which often suffer from drooping or bent crossbars. They provide a more solid and consistent rebound for players. At the end of the season, the self-build goals can be dismantled for compact storage. They offer a superior alternative to plastic and are priced competitively against fully welded steel and aluminium goal frames.
Why should I spend more money on a garden football goal?
When buying garden football goals, the cheapest option isn't always the best value. A well-made football goal should withstand regular use, British weather and years of shooting practice without constantly needing replacement parts, new nets or repairs.
ITSA GOAL has been manufacturing football goals since 1986, when we developed our original plastic garden football goal. From the beginning, our goals were designed to be strong, sturdy and built to last.
As cheaper football goal posts became available, costs were often reduced by using thinner tubing, push-fit net supports and simpler net fixing systems. While these football goals can look very similar online, the differences often become apparent after regular use. Net supports can bend or crease, nets can rub and fray against the ground, and replacement parts may be required more frequently.
ITSA GOAL garden football goals are designed differently. We focus on strength, durability and long-term performance rather than simply producing the cheapest goal possible. It's also why we're able to offer longer warranties than many alternative football goal manufacturers.
You may pay a little more initially for an ITSA GOAL football goal, but you're buying a product designed to last. With fewer replacement parts, fewer replacement nets and a longer usable life, a quality garden football goal can actually cost less over the long term.
If you're looking for strong, durable football goals for the garden that can cope with regular use, buying on quality rather than price alone can save you money in the long run.
Don't just take our word for it, see what customers who have owned both ITSA GOAL and cheaper football goals have to say here.
How does ITSA GOAL compare with other plastic football goals?
If you're comparing ITSA GOAL, Samba, FORZA or other plastic football goals, many products can look similar online. However, there are several important differences in the way plastic football goals are designed, supported and how the net is fitted.
1. Look at the crossbar
When comparing garden football goals online, don't just look at the price; look carefully at the crossbar and overall shape of the goal in customer photographs as well as promotional images.
ITSA GOAL plastic football goals are designed with a straight crossbar. On some alternative plastic goals, you may notice the crossbar sagging or dipping in the middle.
A straighter crossbar doesn't just look better; it also helps the goal maintain a more consistent shape during use.
2. Look at the corners and tubing
ITSA GOAL uses reinforced corner brackets and thicker net-support tubes designed to provide additional strength and rigidity to the goal frame.
When comparing ITSA GOAL vs Samba, FORZA or other plastic football goals, look closely at the corners, tubing and overall construction rather than simply comparing the outside dimensions of the goal.
3. Check how the net supports are attached
On ITSA GOAL football goals, the net-support tubes are secured directly to the frame.
On many alternative plastic football goals, the net supports simply push into holes in the frame and rely on the football net to help hold them in position.
Securing the supports to the frame helps create a more rigid goal structure.
4. Check how the football net is fitted
ITSA GOAL football nets attach neatly behind the posts using arrowhead net fixings.
This means the football net doesn't need to be pulled around the posts and clipped back onto itself.
This design:
- gives the goal a cleaner, more professional appearance;
- helps reduce rubbing and fraying of the net along the ground;
- helps keep the football goal frame stable during use; and
- makes fitting and replacing the football net easier.
5. Compare the warranties
Price isn't the only thing worth comparing when buying a football goal; check the manufacturer's warranty too.
A longer warranty can give you an indication of how confident a manufacturer is in the durability of its football goals.
ITSA GOAL offers longer warranties on its plastic football goals because they are designed for long-term use.
If you're comparing ITSA GOAL vs Samba, ITSA GOAL vs FORZA or any other plastic football goals, look beyond the initial purchase price and compare the design, construction, net fitting, replacement-part availability and warranty before deciding which football goal offers the best long-term value.
How much do football goals cost?
The cost of football goals can vary depending on the size, material and type of goal you need. Smaller junior and training goals are generally more affordable, while full-size 24ft x 8ft aluminium football goals designed for clubs, schools and professional facilities will cost more.
Cheap plastic and lower-quality football goals can be bought in many places, but when looking for high-quality and durable football goal posts, this is where ITSA GOAL excels.
Garden/plastic football goals: from around £179.99
Self-build aluminium goals: from around £382.59
Freestanding aluminium goals: from around £1,099.99
Full-size 24ft x 8ft goals: from around £1,599.99
Wheeled/lever goals: from around £2,100.00
With unique designs, ITSA GOAL offers football goals at competitive prices while still maintaining long-lasting quality and professional performance.
Football Goal Sizes & Age Groups
What size goal posts do I need?
Finding the right football goal posts can be difficult and confusing. ITSA GOAL is on hand to offer support every day of the week. Contact us by phone or email and we'll be happy to help with any questions you may have when choosing the correct goal posts.
You can also use our football goal size guide to find the correct goal size for your age group and format of football.
What size goal posts do I need for 5v5 football?
5v5 football pitches can use different-sized football goal posts. The FA-recommended match size for 5v5 football is 12ft x 6ft.
12ft x 4ft football goals are also used for 5v5 football on some occasions, but this size is not used for official FA-registered matches.
What size goal posts do I need for 7v7 football?
7v7 football uses 12ft x 6ft goal posts for official FA matches.
What size goal posts do I need for 9v9 football?
9v9 football uses 16ft x 7ft goal posts for official FA matches.
What size football goals do children need for each age group?
The correct football goal size depends on the age group and format of football being played.
Common football goal sizes for children are:
- 3v3: 4ft x 2.5ft
- U7–U8 (5v5): 12ft x 6ft
- U9–U10 (7v7): 12ft x 6ft
- U11–U12 (9v9): 16ft x 7ft
- U13–U14 (11v11): 21ft x 7ft
- U15 and above (11v11): 24ft x 8ft
Using the correct football goal size helps ensure the pitch and equipment are suitable for the players' age and the format of football being played.
Smaller goals, including 8ft x 6ft and 6ft x 4ft, are also commonly used for training, schools, gardens and small-sided football.
Moving & Transporting Football Goals
Do ITSA GOAL transporters offer other advantages over goals with fixed wheels?
ITSA GOAL transporters feature a unique, registered design that allows goals to be moved safely and efficiently anywhere on site. Their standout advantage is safety: the wheels can be quickly removed before play, eliminating the need for fixed brackets or protruding wheels that players could collide with and potentially be injured by.
There is also a significant financial benefit. Goals with permanently attached wheels typically add between £700 and £800 to the cost of each goal. In contrast, a single set of ITSA GOAL transporters can be used to move all goals on site. For clubs or facilities managing 20 to 30 goals, this represents substantial cost savings.
When are moveable goals with attached wheels useful?
Moveable football goals with attached wheels are particularly useful on artificial and 3G pitches, where goals need to be moved regularly over short distances. For example, fixed wheels make it easier to roll goals from pitch-side storage areas into position on the goal line for training sessions and matches.
When goals are stored at the side of the pitch, they should always be positioned a safe distance from the playing area and secured correctly in accordance with the relevant safety guidance.
Because freestanding football goals can require substantial rear counterweights for stability, the wheel assemblies carry significant loads. Over time, bolts and fixings can loosen through repeated movement, so wheels and fixings should be inspected regularly and tightened or maintained when necessary.
For facilities that move goals frequently or over longer distances, a lifting or retractable wheel system may provide a more practical solution.
Our club has football pitches that are often muddy. What are the best football goals for these conditions?
Fixed side wheels are not ideal for such locations. However, if the wheels are cleaned regularly, especially immediately after use, they may work if the goalposts are used close to the storage area.
We would always recommend ITSA GOAL goalpost transporters, as they lift the goal higher from the ground and allow goals to be safely used with ground anchors rather than a weighted back bar. They also allow one person to easily move the goals using the back bar to push or pull the goal. If you need to move your goalposts any distance, then goalpost transporters are the answer.
We need to move football goalposts a long distance from the clubhouse storage area. Which goals would you recommend?
The best way to do this is with ITSA GOAL goalpost transporters. If you have a long distance to move your goalposts, it is advisable to buy goalpost transporters for each set of football goals to save time on match days.
Delivery, Warranties & After-Sales
Are spare parts available for the full range of ITSA GOAL posts?
Yes. Spare parts are available for the entire ITSA GOAL range of goal posts, including plastic, aluminium and steel fixed-position football goals. Long-life replacement nets are also readily available.
Our plastic goal components are significantly stronger than those of competitors, so spare parts and nets are rarely needed. This durability is why we offer longer warranties than any other UK manufacturer.
How long will it take to get my order?
At ITSA GOAL, we aim to accommodate our customers to the best of our ability. Plastic goal orders and small deliveries typically have a lead time of 3–5 working days. We are currently working to a 3–4-week lead time on all metal football goals.
Need your goals sooner? Please get in touch with us directly and we'll do our best to accommodate your requirements.
Do you provide after-sales support for ITSA GOAL posts?
Yes. Our after-sales service is among the best in the industry. We highly value our customers and strive to resolve any issues promptly and effectively. As one customer put it: “Small enough to care, large enough to deliver.”
Why can ITSA GOAL offer longer warranties than other manufacturers?
ITSA GOAL can offer longer warranties because our football goals are designed and engineered for strength, durability and long-term use. As a UK football goal manufacturer, we don't cut corners simply to produce cheaper goal posts. We focus on building football goals that are made to last.
As the original manufacturer of plastic football goals, ITSA GOAL has decades of experience designing strong and durable goal posts. Our designs have continually evolved through engineering, testing, customer feedback and years of real-world use.
If we identify an issue with one of our football goals, we address it and improve the design where necessary. This approach has helped us develop durable football goals that we are confident enough to stand behind with longer warranties.
Whether you're buying football goals for a football club, school, academy, training ground or home, our longer warranties provide additional peace of mind that you're investing in goal posts designed for long-term use.
