In-Ground Soccer Goals

1. If you're going to play a regulation game of soccer, you're going to need official soccer goals that are up to the task. The goal size and material you need depends on your available space, intended use, and players' ages. Whatever your situation, our selection includes great options for everything from casual play to club soccer, from professional teams to youth organizations.

2. Because they're deeply anchored, in-ground soccer goals are the best option for safety and stability. Always be sure any soccer goal is securely anchored to prevent it from falling on the players or spectators.

3. Typically, inground soccer goals are made of metal. Whether aluminum or steel, these inground goals are usually coated with rust- and weather-resistant finishes to withstand the elements.

4. Some in-ground soccer goals weigh up to 175 pounds and are not designed to be moved once installed. For a more portable option, choose soccer goals made of lightweight plastic or aluminum.

5. You may notice that some in-ground soccer goals have square tubing, while others have circular tubing. Official soccer goals for higher levels of play have circular tubing, which causes rebounds off goal posts and crossbars to be more unpredictable.

6. There are three basic soccer goal designs. The first goals are "without depth," meaning the net hangs from the crossbar at a 45-degree angle to the ground; this is a common design for youth soccer goals. Soccer goals "with depth" feature a portion that extends behind the crossbar, thus adding depth to the goal. "Box" soccer goals are for higher levels of play; these feature a section that extends perpendicularly to the crossbar before tapering down to provide an even deeper goal.

7. Keep in mind that the official goal sizes for youth soccer goals are different. For example, goals for ages 4-7 are smaller than those for ages 8-11. If you're involved with a youth soccer league with multiple age groups, you may need youth soccer goal sets in several sizes.

8. Players 12 and up should use regulation size fields (90 yards long x 50 yards wide) equipped with standard soccer goals (24 feet wide x 8 feet high).

9. Official field and soccer goal sizes for younger players are as follows: 8-11 year-olds use goals 18.5 wide x 6.5-7 feet high on fields measuring 70 yards long x 50 yards wide. For 6-7 year-olds, use goals 12-18 feet wide x 6.5 feet high on fields measuring 50-60 yards long x 30 yards wide. Younger players should have goals 6-9 feet wide x 4.5 feet high on fields measuring 30-50 yards long by 15-30 yards wide.

10. While most in-ground soccer goals include a properly sized net and fasteners, you may want to order extras or replace worn nets. When doing so, be sure to order soccer nets that match your particular soccer goal size.