Soccer Goal Size Guide
Choosing the right soccer goal involves several important considerations, with the most significant being the level of play and the age of the athletes. With multiple governing bodies setting different standards across each level, selecting the correct goal can quickly become a more complex decision.
FIFA, NCAA, NFHS, US Youth Soccer (USYS), and AYSO are just a few of the governing bodies that may enforce different regulations for goal size and dimensions. To simplify the decision-making process, we’ve broken these standards into two categories to help you determine which goal models and sizes are best for your needs.
NCAA | NFHS Goal Standards
| SIZE | POST SIZE | POST SHAPE | ANCHORED | |
| NCAA | 8′ x 24′ | 4″ min – 5″ max | Square | Rectangular | Round | Oval | Yes |
| NHFS | 8′ x 24′ | 3″ min – 5″ max | Square | Rectangular | Round | Oval | Yes |
US Youth Soccer | AYSO Maximum goal size allowed
| Organization/Age Group | U6–U8 | U9–U10 | U11-U12 | U13 |
| USYS (Recommended Size) | 4′ x 6′ | 6.5′ x 18.5′ | 7′ x 21′ | 8′ x 24′ |
| AYSO (Recommended Size) | 4′ x 6′ | 6.5′ x 12′ | 6.5′ x 18.5′ | 8′ x 24′ |
| AYSO (Maximum Size) | 4′ x 6′ | 6.5′ x 18.5′ | 7′ x 21′ | 8′ x 24′ |
Measuring Your Goal
NCAA
In College soccer the definition of a soccer goal is straightforward:
The goals shall be anchored, secured or counter weighted. 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 goal post 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.”
NFHS
The NFHS is the national leader and advocate for high school athletics. Every year NFHS released a rule book that contains that years’ official rules and regulations of matches.
“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 goal post 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 counter weighted to the ground.
- 2024-25 NFHS Soccer Rules Book, Rule 1 section 4 (The Field Of Play: Goals)