Soccer is so popular because all you need to get started is a soccer ball and a flat area to play on. Some of the greatest soccer players in the world learned their skills in underprivileged backgrounds.
Ideally, a soccer field should be level, longer than it is wide with soccer goals centered at each end. The size of a soccer field can differ to accommodate players of different ages and skill levels and also depends on the space available.
Dimensions
When you play an official soccer game, the dimensions of a rectangular soccer field specified in the rules for international adult matches are in the range of 100-110 meters (110-120 yards) in length and in the range of 65-75 meters (70-80 yards) in width. Soccer fields for non-international matches may be 100-130 yards in length and 50-100 yards in width, provided the soccer field doesn't become square.
Field Layout
In describing a soccer field layout, using a soccer field diagram is worth a thousand words! However, to give you an idea of the layout, here are the key components:
- Touchlines or sidelines. The long boundary lines are called touchlines or sidelines.
- Goal lines. The shorter boundaries where the soccer goals are placed are called goal lines.
- Goal posts. The inner edges of the vertical goal posts must be 8 yards apart and the lower edge of the horizontal crossbar supported by goal posts must be 8 feet above the ground.
- Goal area. This is the rectangular area formed by extending two lines 6 yards from the goalposts and a line joining these. Goal kicks and any free kick by the defending soccer team may be taken from anywhere in this area.
- Penalty area. Also called the penalty box, this soccer area is similarly formed by the goal-line and lines extending from it, however its lines meet at 18 yards from the goal posts. This area has a number of functions, but primarily serves as the area where the goalkeeper may handle the ball.
Other Fields of Play
The field layout also includes areas off the soccer field. The most prominent of these is the Technical Area. The Technical Area defines the bench areas and nearby areas where coaching and managing staff are restricted. The referee's authority extends not only to the soccer field of play, but also the surrounding area which includes the Technical Area.
