Choosing the right goal size isn't always straightforward. Different formats, different governing bodies, and the gap between official recommendations and what's actually used in practice can make the choice confusing. The graphic below shows the most common goal sizes used in the UK, drawn approximately to the same scale, so you can see at a glance how they compare.

11v11 (Senior) Goals - 7.32m x 2.44m (24ft x 8ft)

The standard full-size goal used in 11v11 senior football at every level, from Sunday league to the Premier League.

Goals at this size and over 42kg fall under the BS EN 748 safety standard.

11v11 (Youth) Goals - 6.4m x 2.13m (21ft x 7ft)

The FA's recommended goal size for Under 14, bridging the gap between junior formats and the full-size adult game. Slightly narrower and lower than the senior goal, it's a meaningful step up from 9v9 and gives younger players a more proportionate target before making the jump to full size. Goals at this size fall under BS EN 16579 safety standards.

9v9 Goals - 4.88m x 2.13m (16ft x 7ft)

Specified by The FA for Under 12 and Under 13 football. At the same height as the 11v11 Youth goals but considerably narrower, it suits the smaller pitch dimensions used at this age group. Goals at this size fall under BS EN 16579. The Scottish FA also uses 9v9 as a format but recommends a different goal size (see below).

9v9 / 7v7 / 5v5 (Scottish FA) Goals - 4.88m x 1.83m (16ft x 6ft)

The Scottish FA specifies a maximum goal size of 4.88m x 1.83m across three formats: 9v9, 7v7 and 5v5. The 1.83m height is shared with the FA's Mini Soccer recommendation but the width is considerably greater, reflecting a different approach to the small-sided games. If you're buying goals for use in Scotland or for a league affiliated to the Scottish FA, it's worth confirming which size is required before ordering.

Mini Soccer 7v7 / 5v5 Goals - 3.66m x 1.83m (12ft x 6ft)

The FA's recommended goal size for 5v5 Mini Soccer (Under 8 and Under 9) and 7v7 Mini Soccer (Under 10 and Under 11). This is one of the most commonly specified sizes for junior development football in England and Wales. Goals at this size fall under BS EN 16579.

Despite being the official FA recommendation, many recreational 5-a-side venues continue to use narrower, lower goals - see the "Traditional" 5-a-side sizes below.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) and Irish Football Association (IFA) also recommends 4.88m x 1.83m goal size for 7v7 football, but for 5v5 football they recommend using Traditional 5-a-side goal sizes of 2.44m x 1.22m (8ft x 4ft) and 3.66m x 1.22m (12ft x 4ft) respectively.

Traditional 5-a-side (Large) Goals - 4.8m x 1.2m (16ft x 4ft)

The widest of the three traditional 5-a-side sizes, used in larger indoor venues and outdoor pitches where more space is available. No longer recommended by The FA for any specific junior or adult format, but still widely used in recreational leagues across the UK where a head-height rule is in operation, making the 1.2m height more practical than the 1.83m FA-recommended alternative. 

The original idea behind 5-a-side football was that 1.2m high goals promoted the use of feet, rather than the head during play - an issue that's also become increasingly relevant today due to research from head impact studies. Despite 1.2m high 5-a-side goals no longer being 'officially recommended' sizes by The FA, they remain popular. These "Traditional" 5-a-side goals still encourage the use of the feet to develop ball control skills and carry the added benefit of fewer broken windows for venues!

Goals at this size fall under BS EN 16579. 

Traditional 5-a-side (Small) Goals - 3.6m x 1.2m (12ft x 4ft)

The most popular 5-a-side goal size in the UK for recreational play. Found in sports centres, school halls, and outdoor 3G pitches up and down the country. The Irish Football Association (IFA) recommends this size for 5v5 football. If you're buying for a recreational league and no specific size has been mandated, this is often the size most venues default to. Goals at this size fall under BS EN 16579.

Traditional 5-a-side (Mini) Goals - 2.4m x 1.2m (8ft x 4ft)

The smallest of the traditional 5-a-side sizes. Used as a training goal, in confined spaces, or in smaller indoor halls where a wider goal would be impractical. The Football Association of Wales (FAW) recommends this size for 5v5 football, and the Scottish FA specifies it as a maximum for 4v4 (Fun Fours). Also a useful size for goalkeeper reaction training at any age group. Goals at this size fall under BS EN 16579.

3v3 - 1.2m x 0.75 (4ft x 2.5ft)

Introduced from the 2026/2027 season, 3v3 goals measuring 1.2m wide x 0.75m high (4ft x 2.5ft) are the recommended size for Under 7. 3v3 games have no goalkeepers and allow for more flexible rules, putting the emphasis on action and more goal scoring opportunities. Goals at this size fall under BS EN 16579.

Futsal Goals - 3m x 2m (9ft 10in x 6ft 7in)

The official FIFA-specified futsal goal size, used at all ages and levels. Futsal is a distinct indoor format played on a hard court with a smaller, low-bounce ball, and the goal size reflects that. Futsal goals and Traditional 5-a-side goals are not interchangeable - always confirm which format your league uses before purchasing. Goals at this size fall under BS EN 16579.