Youth Soccer Goal Size | Full Guide by Age Group

Below is the exact size guidance for every youth age group, straight from the governing bodies that set the rules.

Standard Youth Soccer Goal Sizes by Age Group

US Youth Soccer publishes maximum recommended goal sizes for each age bracket. These are the numbers most American leagues follow, whether you’re coaching U8 rec or U14 travel.

The full-size 8′ x 24′ goal is the same dimension FIFA, NCAA, and NFHS require for professional and high school play. For U13 and older players in the U.S., this is the standard size. England Football’s guidance differs slightly for younger teens — they recommend 16′ x 7′ for U12-U13 and move to 24′ x 8′ for U15-U18 — but the simple U.S. age ladder above covers most American programs.

Inside Measurement Rule — The Only Way to Measure Correctly

Goal size is always measured from the inside of the two goalposts and from the ground to the underside of the crossbar. The outside frame can add several inches on each side, so measuring the outer edges will give you a wrong, larger number. When buying or checking a goal, always put your tape measure at the inner edges of the posts. The standard full-size goal is 24 feet wide inside (7.31–7.32 meters, depending on rounding) and 8 feet tall from ground to crossbar underside.

What Happens When the Goal Is Wrong

Picking the Right Goal for Your Program

Before you buy, know your age groups and the size of pitch they play on. Goals meant for 5v5 are too small for a 9v9 field. Portable goals under 6’6″ work well for U6-U10, but older groups need a heavier, ground-anchored frame. The practical choice for most youth clubs is a pair of adjustable goals that cover U9-U12, then a separate full-size set for U13+. For a roundup of top-rated youth soccer goals with size specs, our tested gear guide breaks down the best options for every age bracket.