Choosing Football Goalposts: Dimensions, Material, Installation and Safety

Goalposts are the largest and heaviest equipment on the pitch; a poorly chosen or unsecured goal can cause serious accidents. Size, material, installation type and safety standards must be considered together.

The football goal is at the centre of the game and also one of the biggest risks on the pitch. Unsecured portable goals tipping over have caused serious accidents worldwide. That is why choosing a goal is not only about size but also about material, installation type and the relevant safety standards.

Goal dimensions

• Full size (11v11): 7.32 m x 2.44 m (inside).
• Youth football: usually 5 m x 2 m or 6 m x 2 m, depending on federation development programmes.
• Futsal and handball: 3 m x 2 m.
• Post width: no more than 12 cm and the same width as the pitch lines.

For full pitch dimensions see our football pitch dimensions article.

Types of goals

Socketed (fixed) goals

Posts sit in sockets set in concrete in the ground. The standard solution for stadiums and match pitches. Sockets allow the goal to be removed when needed and capped to leave a flush surface.

Portable goals

Goals on wheels or a movable frame, used on training pitches, multi-use areas and when a pitch is divided. Portable goals must be secured against tipping with counterweights, ground anchors or sandbags.

Folding and wall-mounted goals

Used in sports halls and space-limited facilities; they fold against the wall when not in use.

Material

• Aluminium: light, corrosion-resistant and standard on professional pitches. Oval or elliptical profiles give a more predictable rebound.
• Steel: economical and strong; must be galvanised and painted against corrosion. Its weight makes portable goals harder to move.

Goalposts must be white by rule. Welds and corner joints should be finished with no sharp edges.

Nets and net supports

The net stops the ball leaving the goal and makes goal decisions clear. On professional goals the net is tensioned by stanchions or top arms behind the goal so it does not hinder the goalkeeper. Nets should be UV-stable polypropylene or polyethylene, with fixing hooks designed so fingers cannot be caught. See also our ball stop netting systems.

Safety and standards

In Europe, EN 748 defines dimensions, strength and stability tests for football goals, and EN 16579 covers the safety of portable goals. In practice these rules are vital:

• Portable goals must be anchored or counterweighted every time they are used.
• No climbing on the goal or hanging from the crossbar; make this clear to users and children.
• Goals not in use must be left secured or laid down safely.
• Welds, joints, wheels and anchors must be inspected regularly.
• Goals should be moved by enough adults, holding them at the right points.

Buying checklist

1. Is the goal size right for the pitch category?
2. Has the product passed EN 748 (and EN 16579 if portable)?
3. Does the installation type (socketed, portable, folding) suit how the facility is used?
4. Are the net support system and net quality adequate?
5. Are spare parts and service available?

SFS Engineering supplies and installs all football equipment, including goalposts, corner flagposts and substitute benches, together with pitch construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a football goal?

A full-size goal is 7.32 m x 2.44 m inside. Youth football uses smaller goals; futsal and handball use 3 m x 2 m.

Aluminium or steel goals?

Aluminium is light, corrosion-resistant and standard on professional pitches. Steel is cheaper but heavy and needs corrosion protection.

How are portable goals secured?

With counterweights, ground anchors or the manufacturer's securing system every time they are used. An unsecured goal can tip over and cause serious accidents.

What colour must goalposts be?

Under the Laws of the Game, posts and crossbar must be white.

Get technical support for your project: SFS Engineering handles site survey, design, material selection and installation as a single contractor. Send us your dimensions and site details through our contact page and we will work out the right solution together.