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Soccer is a fun and competitive sport that has many rules. One of the most debated topics among soccer players is the width of a soccer goal. So, how wide is a soccer goal?
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How Wide is a Soccer goal?
The standard width of a soccer goal is eight yards (24 feet), with the goalposts having a uniform diameter of 12 centimeters. The width measurements are taken from the distance between the inner edges of the goalposts.
The width of the goals depends on what kind of soccer organization you are playing for. The criteria used in choosing this varies by age group and player’s professionalism. For example, younger players beginning their career will need narrower posts than players that have been at it longer.
Changes to the Width of a Soccer Goal Over Time?
Before soccer became the organized and competitive sport it is today, the width of the goal was not so essential. Therefore, the width of the post was measured depending on what the players agreed upon themselves.
However, in 1863, it was established that the standard width of the soccer goal posts should be 8 yards (24 feet) apart. The Football Association (FA) was the reason for this rule which is still the official width of the soccer goal.
Although the width of the goal was made official, the height still wasn’t specified, and players could score goals up to 30 ft from the ground. The introduction of the crossbar came in 1882 at the height of 8 feet from the ground, making it compulsory for all soccer fields.
How is the Position of a Goal Post Determined?
The position of a goal is determined using the standard regulations issued by FIFA. After doing all the field markings as required and finally identifying the corner points on each end.
From the field corner, you measure 9.15m to where the posts are supposed to be positioned. The distance is calculated on the other end of the field and the goals set.
Soccer Goal Dimensions Among Different Age Groups
Usually, despite the standard requirements on the width of a soccer goal, it would be unreasonable to use the same dimensions for younger players. Therefore, some dimensions put in place can be used as a guide when making a soccer goal for your kid.
Age 4-5
I recommend using a 4 by 6 feet post. Therefore, the post’s width should be 6 feet, with the height of the crossbar being 4 feet. However, the size of their goals should not exceed a measurement of 5 feet tall by 10 feet wide.
Age 6-7
Children between these ages are recommended to use a 5 by 10 feet goal. With the width of the post being 10 feet and the height 5 feet. The size of their goals should, however, not exceed a measurement of 6 feet tall by 12 feet wide.
Age 8-11
Children between ages 8 to eleven are recommended to use a 6 by 12 soccer goal, with the width of the post being 12 feet and the height of the bar being 6 feet. The size of the post for children in this bracket should not exceed a measurement of 7 feet tall by 21 feet wide.
Age of 12
Although sometimes children at this age might be shorter, the standard goal measurement of 8 by 24 is recommended. In most cases, they can quickly adapt to them. However, this is a recommended measurement, and the parent, guardian, or coach can allow them to play using a relatively smaller goal.
Are There Areas Where The Dimensions Are Not Applied
There are instances where the standard width and height of the goal are not used. This usually occurs in street soccer or beach soccer. These only involve a limited number of players on each side, and there are no goalkeepers hence the need for them to be smaller.
- 3v3 Soccer Goal – In a 3v3 soccer game, the goals have a width of 8 feet while the height is 4 feet.
- 9v9 Soccer Goal – In a 9v9 soccer match, the dimensions of the goal are 21 feet wide with a height of 7 feet. The goals should
- Beach soccer – The goalposts have a width of 18 feet, while the distance from the ground to the crossbar is 7.25 feet.
- Futsal – The goalposts have a width of 9 feet 10 inches with a height of 6 feet 7 inches.
Should Soccer Goals be Bigger Than FIFA Standards?
The width of a soccer goal is usually not up for debate. However, there are exceptions to the rule, such as when it comes to youth levels. The North American Youth Soccer Organization (NYSO) uses fields smaller than international specifications to 84×48 yards (or about 70m x 40m).
This allowed for a goal to be 17ft wide by 27ft high, notably wider than the FIFA standard. It would be difficult to score on a goal almost one-third bigger than even FIFA permits, especially when you consider how smaller players are at these ages.
This regulation is in place from Under-9 through Under-12 levels, meaning that players must learn how to shoot wide when playing on these fields instead of learning how to shoot for the corners.
Related Questions
What Is The Standard Height of a Goal Post?
The standard height of a goal is 8 feet or 2.44m. This is the length of the two upright vertical posts on each side of the goal.
How Deep Are the Soccer Goals?
The standard depth of all soccer goals should not exceed 5 inches (12cm). This is per IFAB (International Football Association Board) laws.
How Wide is a Premier League goal?
The width of a premier league goal is 8 yards (7.320m) as specified by FIFA. FIFA is an international organization that regulates the rules in soccer, futsal, and beach soccer.
Conclusion
Soccer goals come in a variety of sizes depending on age and skill level. From youth to adult leagues, there’s something for everyone. To determine how wide your goal should be, you’ll first need to consult with an experienced coach or league organization.
