Football Goal Sizes Explained: 5-a-Side to 11-a-Side

Choosing a football goal should begin with the match format, competition rules and pitch.

For full-size 11-a-side football, the dimensions are clear. The goal is 7.32 metres wide and 2.44 metres high. Small-sided football is less uniform. A 5-a-side, 7-a-side or 9-a-side goal can have different dimensions depending on the competition, country, facility or age-group framework.

For a UAE school, academy or club, the safest approach is to obtain the required dimensions in writing before ordering.

Football goal sizes at a glance

The table below shows the sizes currently listed in the CBF Sports Equipment range. Measurements are shown as width × height.

Format	CBF listed size	Typical application	What to confirm
5-a-side	3.60 × 1.20 m	Small-sided training and recreational games	Facility or competition rules
7-a-side	3.66 × 1.83 m	Small-sided matches and academy training	Age group and league requirements
9-a-side	4.83 × 2.13 m	Transitional football before full-size play	Required width, as some frameworks specify 4.88 m
11-a-side	7.32 × 2.44 m	Full-size competitive football	Frame, net, anchoring and mobility requirements

 

The first three sizes are product specifications rather than universal UAE competition rules. The 11-a-side dimensions are established by IFAB Law 1.

How is a football goal measured?

For an official 11-a-side goal, the width is measured between the inside edges of the two posts. The height is measured from the ground to the lower edge of the crossbar.

This distinction matters when reviewing a supplier drawing. An overall frame measurement may include the thickness of the posts, while a competition specification may refer to the clear opening between them.

Before approving a quotation, confirm:

• whether the stated dimensions describe the opening or the complete frame;
• the width and depth of the posts;
• the depth of the goal and net supports;
• whether nets are included;
• how the goal will be secured;
• whether wheels are required; and
• whether the size complies with the intended competition.

Is there one official goal size for every football format?

No. The official full-size 11-a-side goal is consistent, but smaller formats are governed by different competition and facility rules.

For example, the English FA’s published youth guidance uses 3.66 × 1.83 m goals for both 5v5 and 7v7, and 4.88 × 2.13 m goals for 9v9. That guidance is useful as a reference, but it is not automatically the rule for a UAE school league, academy tournament or private football facility.

This is why a label such as “5-a-side goal” is not enough on its own. The required dimensions should come from the organiser, governing body, tender document or facility specification.

5-a-side football goal size

CBF’s current 5-a-side football goal is listed at 3.60 × 1.20 metres.

Its lower profile can suit small-sided training, recreational sessions and facilities that use this particular format. It should not, however, be treated as a universal regulation size. Five-a-side football can refer to several versions of the game, including private leagues, enclosed-pitch football and youth formats.

Before ordering a 5-a-side goal, ask:

1. Is the goal for training or an organised competition?
2. Does the venue already have marked goal positions?
3. Has the organiser provided a required width and height?
4. Will the goals remain in one place or move between pitches?
5. Does the facility require a particular anchoring method?

If the goal will be used for more than one programme, confirm that the selected size is acceptable for every intended use.

7-a-side football goal size

CBF’s 7-a-side football goals measure 3.66 × 1.83 metres, equivalent to 12 × 6 feet.

This is also the size used for 7v7 in the FA youth framework. It is a familiar option for academies and schools running small-sided programmes, but the local organiser’s rules should still take priority.

A 7-a-side goal may be suitable when:

• the pitch is too small for full-size goals;
• younger groups are progressing from compact training goals;
• one pitch needs to support several small-sided sessions; or
• the goals need to be repositioned between training exercises and matches.

CBF’s current product is movable and offers standard or 360-degree wheel options. Wheels make repositioning easier, but they do not remove the need to secure the goal correctly before use.

9-a-side football goal size

CBF’s 9-a-side football goals are listed at 4.83 × 2.13 metres.

Nine-a-side football often acts as a bridge between smaller formats and the full 11-a-side game. The larger opening changes shooting distances and goalkeeper positioning without immediately moving players onto a full-size goal.

There is a measurement detail to resolve before ordering for competition use. Some published youth frameworks specify a width of 4.88 metres rather than 4.83 metres. The difference is only five centimetres, but procurement decisions should not assume the two measurements are interchangeable.

If a school, league or academy has provided a technical specification, send that document with the enquiry. The quotation should repeat the agreed dimensions so that both parties are working from the same requirement.

11-a-side football goal size

An official 11-a-side football goal measures:

• Width: 7.32 metres, measured between the inside of the posts
• Height: 2.44 metres, measured from the ground to the lower edge of the crossbar
• Imperial size: 8 yards × 8 feet

These dimensions are set by IFAB. The posts and crossbar must also be white and have equal width and depth, with a maximum measurement of 12 centimetres.

CBF’s 11-a-side football goals use the official 7.32 × 2.44 m dimensions and are available with wheel options. Schools or clubs looking for a stadium-style profile can also review the full-size and stadium goal range.

Correct dimensions are only one part of compliance. The frame, net, supports, stability and installation method also need to suit the intended use.

Portable, movable or fixed: which goal structure is suitable?

Two goals with the same opening can behave very differently in daily use.

A permanently positioned goal may suit a dedicated pitch that rarely changes configuration. A movable aluminium goal can work better when grounds staff need to prepare different layouts. Compact folding goals are more suitable for coaches who transport equipment between venues.

Consider the following operational questions:

How often will the goal move?

If it moves every day, wheel type, turning space and staff handling matter. A goal that is technically movable may still be inconvenient if it is too heavy for the available team or difficult to manoeuvre on the surface.

Where will it be stored?

Measure gates, equipment-room doors and storage areas. The dimensions of the goal mouth do not show the full depth of the frame.

What is the playing surface?

Natural grass, artificial turf and indoor surfaces may require different anchoring or weighting arrangements. Confirm the approved method with the manufacturer and facility manager.

Who will move it?

Set a handling procedure rather than leaving movement to players. Larger goals may require more than one trained adult and suitable wheel systems.

For mobile coaching sessions and compact training, explore the portable and folding football goals. For organised small-sided formats, compare the 5-a-side, 7-a-side and 9-a-side goal range.

Goal safety should not be treated as an optional extra

IFAB states that goals, including portable goals, must be firmly secured to the ground. FIFA’s football-goal programme also places emphasis on frame stability, crossbar strength, net quality and overall safety.

A movable goal should therefore never be left unsecured simply because wheels are fitted. Follow the manufacturer’s installation, anchoring, maintenance and movement instructions.

Before each period of use, the responsible team should check:

• the frame and joints;
• anchors, weights or other securing equipment;
• wheels and moving parts;
• net attachments;
• damaged or exposed edges; and
• signs that the goal has moved out of position.

FIFA provides further information through its Quality Programme for Football Goals.

A practical buying checklist for schools and academies

Before requesting a quotation, collect the following information:

1. Playing format: 5-a-side, 7-a-side, 9-a-side or 11-a-side.
2. Required dimensions: Quote the width and height rather than relying only on the format name.
3. Use: Training, recreational play, school competition or sanctioned league.
4. Quantity: One goal, a pair or multiple sets.
5. Surface: Natural grass, artificial turf or indoor flooring.
6. Movement: Fixed, occasionally moved or repositioned every day.
7. Wheel requirement: Standard wheels, multi-directional wheels or no wheels.
8. Net requirement: Confirm whether nets and net supports are included.
9. Access and storage: Note gate widths, storage space and movement routes.
10. Required date: Include sufficient time for specification approval, production and delivery.

Providing these details at the beginning reduces revisions and helps the supplier quote the correct configuration.

 

Frequently asked questions

What is the official 11-a-side football goal size?

The official size is 7.32 metres wide and 2.44 metres high, measured between the inside edges of the posts and from the ground to the lower edge of the crossbar.

What size is a 9-a-side football goal?

CBF’s current 9-a-side goal is listed at 4.83 × 2.13 metres. Some published competition frameworks use 4.88 × 2.13 metres, so the required size should be confirmed before ordering.

Are 5-a-side goal dimensions always the same?

No. Five-a-side dimensions can differ between youth football, recreational leagues, enclosed facilities and individual competition rules.

Can one set of goals serve several age groups?

Possibly, provided the size is accepted for every programme and the goals can be moved and secured safely. A school serving several formats may need more than one size.

Do portable football goals need to be anchored?

Yes. IFAB states that portable goals must be firmly secured to the ground. Use the manufacturer-approved anchoring or weighting method for the playing surface.

Should a school order goals directly from a product page?

For a straightforward standard product, that may be possible. For multiple goals, mixed equipment, formal quotations or tender specifications, it is better to send the complete requirement first.

 

Need help specifying football goals?

If you are buying for a school, academy, club or facility, send us the playing format, required dimensions, surface, quantity and delivery timeline.

Request an itemised quotation from CBF Sports Equipment.