Finding the best backyard football goal is not as easy as you might think. Why? This is because many brands are aggressively promoting their football goals, and all these marketing gimmicks make it quite difficult to choose one. You’re lucky! I am here to do all the work for you and separate the wheat from the chaff.
In this portable soccer goal review article, I am going to compile a list of the top 5 backyard soccer goals, mentioning both their advantages and disadvantages. I’m sure it will help you make a choice considering quality and price. So let’s dive right into the comparative part of the four goals.
What are best soccer goals for backyard?
Are you looking for the best backyard soccer goals? If yes, then this is your lucky day! Football is more than a sport; it is a source of joy that unites millions of hearts and soccer players. Our passion for this sport knows no bounds, and that is why we are so picky when it comes to buying football equipment.
If you’re looking to turn your backyard into a small practice area, you need a solid soccer goal the most. And that is why we have selected the best soccer goals that you can use within your budget.
Be sure to check out our extensive buyer’s guide to take into account the key factors to consider when purchasing a backyard football goal.
We have also answered some of the most frequently asked questions by football fans and players about this football goal. So, if you have additional questions or doubts, check out the answers of our experts. Now, without further ado, let’s take a look at the best backyard soccer goals we’ve selected for you! Our selection of the best soccer goals you can buy is below.
GOLME PRO Training Soccer Goal – Full-Size Ultra Portable Soccer Net
If you have a decent-sized yard and want a large, standard-sized soccer net for your child (or yourself), this award-winning GOLME PRO net is the cream of the crop and my number 1 recommendation.
Here are some features you’ll love:
- Installing and removing is very easy. For example, 3 minutes or less and the work of one person. It features a patented one-piece design, meaning tangles and falling-out parts are a thing of the past. To learn how to do this, you can take a look at the included instructional DVD.
- This target is also seriously portable! You’ll love how compact it folds (less than 1% of its size) and weighs only about 30 pounds, it’s easy to carry anywhere and store when you’re not using it. And yes, it comes with a good quality carrying bag!
- Durability: The side posts are made from durable, lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum, so you can be sure no ball impact will deform the side post. They are tough and strong!
One important thing to note if you’re considering this option: The crossbar isn’t actually a crossbar but a 3″ thick strap. Rebounds will not be the same as with a “real” goal.
However, judging by the numerous reviews, this is not a problem at all: customers instead comment on how portable/lightweight, easy to set up and dismantle, and how solid the overall network is; reviews are very high! (Check them out for yourself by clicking below!)
GOLME PRO is not precisely a cheap football goal. Is it worth the extra investment? I think so, especially if you’re looking for something that can take some serious hits, nice and big. Not sure, though. This soccer goal comes with a 30-day risk-free warranty.
Characteristics
- Company: GOLME.
- Style: Portable.
- Rating: 4.7 / 5 stars.
- Size: 6.5′ x 18.5′ (8′ x 24′ youth standard also available).
PowerNet Soccer Goal | Portable Net Collapsible Metal Base | Quick Setup Ultra Portable | Full Size Framed Soccer Goal | 1 Goal + 1 Carry Bag
If you are looking for a professional net, the PowerNet Soccer Goal is the one for you. Its dimensions are 12 feet by 6 feet. Now, the size might make you think it’s not that portable. However, the assembly is quite easy, and you can wear it both indoors and outdoors.
Some of the key features:
- Durable and flexible material. These soccer goals are made of fiberglass. This helps make it more durable and flexible to carry.
- Great design. The design of these soccer goals can even make you feel like you are playing in a real match.
- Easy to wear. This football goal comes with a carrying case. You can easily store it and carry it with you everywhere. You can also use it indoors.
Characteristics
- Company: Power Network.
- Style: Portable.
- Rating: 4.4/5 stars.
- Size: 12 × 6 feet (other sizes available).
Net World Sports Forza Soccer Goal [5 Sizes] | Ultimate PVC Home Backyard Soccer Goal | Soccer Nets for Backyard | Portable Soccer Goals & Soccer Goal Nets
If you’re looking for a durable soccer goal that can be installed in your backyard and not used all season long and is very similar to the ones you’ll find on the football fields in the park, take a look at this goal from FORZA.
This is the 2018 model, improved with a tighter fit, more strength, and an even thicker frame. This is their best decision, taking into account and correcting what reviewers have pointed out in the past. Here’s what you’ll love about it:
- The frame is twice as thick as most other backyard goals and is 2.7″ PVC wide, making it extremely durable and ideal for rebound training. Frame parts are actually joined together for added strength.
- Assembling the frame is easy, and the package comes with everything you need, including net clips (not Velcro, which is short-lived), anchor pins, and a durable 2.5 mm weatherproof soccer goal net.
- You can move the gate fairly easily once it’s unfastened – it’s amazingly light! (You will appreciate this when you want to mow your lawn.)
- You can find FORZA goals in a variety of sizes: Mini Target (3′ x 2.5′), 6′ x 4′, 8′ x 4′, 8′ x 6′, 12′ x 6′ – whatever suits your needs best!
These soccer goals are great for backyard fun or serious soccer practice. That it comes with a 1-year warranty and a customer service team that has fantastic reviews is also a nice plus. This is a solid purchase, with a fairly fair price.
Characteristics
- Company: Net World Sports.
- Style: Semi-Permanent.
- Rating: 4.4/5 stars.
- Size: 12 x 6 feet (multiple sizes available).
Lifetime 90046 Soccer Goal with Adjustable Height and Width, 7′ x 5′, Black
Lifetime Products is well known for offering high-quality outdoor products: heavy swings, full-size and children’s picnic tables, awnings, and more. They have a reputation for being strong, durable, weather-resistant, and heavy-duty products.
Here are some of the main features of this goal:
- Height and width are adjustable! You can set it to 3 different sizes depending on who is playing, or adjust it as your little one grows, from 3 to 5 feet high and 4 to 7 feet wide. Adjustment is possible as it has a telescopic function and locking pins.
- It can be conveniently folded for storage and transport or left in the yard for the entire season, as it is made from 18 gauge powder-coated steel and durable nylon mesh (both weather and rust-resistant).
- It comes with a frame, net, 5 anchor angles, and extranet straps (required for smallest size setting) – but unfortunately no carrying case.
- At any size, the frame is very strong and durable; it can withstand strong impacts without bending.
What’s really cool is that the price isn’t that bad, and most people will be able to afford this chain (less than $100).
This is probably not the kind of soccer goal you want to get for your teenagers (they will be quite small for them), but it is arguably the best option in this style and price range for younger kids.
Characteristics
- Company: Lifetime Products.
- Style: Semi-Permanent.
- Rating: 4.4/5 stars.
- Size: min. 3 × 4 feet, max. 5 × 7 feet.
Franklin Sports Competition Backyard Soccer Goals – Portable Outdoor Soccer Goal with Net – Steel Post Metal Soccer Net with Ground Stakes – Folding Backyard Soccer Goal – Official Size + Mini-Goals
The best portable soccer goal out there is the Franklin Sports Blackhawk soccer goal.
Some of the key features of the Franklin Sports Blackhawk Portable soccer goal:
- Fiberglass and steel construction. Since this soccer goal is made of fiberglass and steel, they are quite durable. In addition, it is also able to withstand the strongest football impacts without falling.
- Additional hooks and pegs for support. For added stability, these football goals are equipped with hooks that hold the net in place. Ground stakes also offer additional support.
- Lightweight and portable. This soccer goal weighs only about 2.73 pounds. Thus, it is easy to carry around.
Great for kids who are just starting to play backyard football – this is a cheap but decent soccer goal. It’s not a top model (you can’t compare it to the Bownet), but it’s definitely not something you can just pass by.
This soccer goal is very popular for backyard act (unlike the PLUS backyard goal which is used for soccer practice, parks, etc.).
That’s because it’s weather resistant – you can leave it on all summer long, it’s pretty easy to set up, and yet it’s not as portable as some of the other options. It is easy to lift and move for lawn mowing (just unfasten and lift), but not very easy to take apart and transport.
This soccer goal is made of durable black powder-coated steel, and the net uses self-adhesive tapes (Velcro) that are easy to attach. (Note: Reviewers often suggest using simple zippers instead of Velcro if you intend to get some hard-hitting.) It’s not necessarily made with adult games in mind, but kids will definitely love it!
One fantastic thing about this soccer goal is the price – just about anyone can afford it, and you get very good value for money. Don’t expect the same quality as if you paid 5 times more, but if you are looking for a budget option, I think this is your choice.
Characteristics
- Company: Franklin Sports.
- Style: Semi-Permanent.
- Rating: 4.4/5 stars.
- Size: 4 × 6 ft (several other sizes and colors available).
How do you make a backyard soccer goal?
Learn how to make backyard soccer goals with these simple parent-child instructions.
Necessary materials:
- Roulette.
- Permanent marker.
Step 1: Lay out the pieces
Using a tape measure, divide four 10-foot lengths of PVC pipe into the sections needed to assemble the gate frame and mark one length of each length for cutting.
You will need two 5′ sections, two 4′ sections, four 3′ sections, and four 1′ sections.
Step 2: Cut the pipe
- Lay the marked pipe on the worktable so that the first cut mark hangs over the edge.
- Cut the pipe at the mark with a hacksaw. Use your first cut as a guide for the rest, so they will all be the same length. Continue until all pieces are cut out. You should have one unused 6-foot piece left.
- Using 80-grit sandpaper, sand the cut ends of the pipes so that there are no sharp edges or burrs.
Try your hacksaw skills. Start with slow, small movements across the mark to make a small groove. Then, once your blade is strong, use long, straight strokes to cut through the entire pipe.
Step 3: Dry installation of the frame
- Before applying glue and assembling the gate permanently, you will need to dry-join the parts. This ensures that the pipe sections fit together correctly and that the target is straight and correct.
- Start with the basics. Make two corners by attaching the 1-foot section to the 3-foot section using your elbow. Lay them facing each other. Place the tees on the other ends of the 1-foot sections. Then connect the two tees with a 3 feet section.
- To make the top of the gate, repeat the steps above, except attaching the 1-foot sections to the 4-foot sections at the elbows.
- Attach your elbows to the short sides of the base and turn them so that they are facing up. Lift the top of the gate and insert the bottom of the 4ft sections into the elbows. You should now have an L-shaped frame.
- Finally, connect the top and bottom tees to the 5′ sections that act as spacers.
Use the side of the gate to teach older kids about right triangles and the Pythagorean theorem: a2 + b2 = c2. The base side is a (3 feet), the vertical side is b (4 feet), and the curly brace is the hypotenuse or c (5 feet).
Step 4: Keep track of your connections
Using a permanent marker, draw a line on the adjacent pieces at each joint. This will help you line up the pipes after you’ve glued them together and assemble the gate perfectly before the PVC glue has time to dry.
Step 5: Glue the frame together
- Disassemble one of the joints. Wipe the PVC pipe glue on the outside of the pipe and inside the connector, then join them together. Quickly align the marks and hold the fittings in place. Pipe cement sets in seconds, so you don’t have much time.
- Continue disassembling each joint, apply pipe glue, and reassemble in this way until the entire frame is glued together.
PVC pipe cement has a strong smell, so be sure to purchase one labeled “low VOC” and do this step in a well-ventilated area.
Step 6: Make a network
Take the soccer goal outside. Unfold the deer net and measure enough to cover the back and sides of the gate. Using utility scissors, cut the mesh to size, leaving a little for the ledge.
Step 7: Attach the net
Wrap the net around the goalposts, leaving it a little loose, so it will catch the soccer balls without tearing them. Then thread the zip ties through the mesh and around the pipes, connecting the zip ties and pulling them tight.
Do this every few inches until the entire mesh is attached. Cut off the long ends of the ties with a pair of scissors and twist them, so they’re hard to see.
Your little hands can help a lot when it comes to threading ties through the mesh. Just make sure the parents make sure they are tied tightly.
Step 8: Cut off the excess mesh
Using utility scissors, trim the excess mesh around the front and bottom of the gate.
Step 9: Hold the target
If you like, you can use small sandbags at the corners of the gate to hold it down. Then take a few players, start the game and see how long it takes you to score your first goal!
Are PVC soccer goals durable?
If you don’t already know, PVC stands for Polyvinyl Chloride, which is a thermoplastic material made by polymerizing vinyl chloride.
So, now you understand that a PVC frame is a plastic-based option. You will find both pros and cons of a PVC frame.
These are lightweight options, so you can easily carry them with you. The price is lower than steel frames. So, I must say that this is not at all the wrong choice for playing in the backyard.
Assembly in this case is very easy, and you can also easily carry and store the gate.
While plastic frames are affordable, they are less durable than aluminum or steel frames. It is obvious. It’s always what you pay, it’s what you get.
How to buy a portable soccer goal for the yard? — Buying guide
If you have already gone through the overview part, you know what options to consider in order to choose one of them.
However, let me give some insight into some of these key points separately here.
Types of portable soccer goals
Here I will only talk about portable soccer goal.
Permanent and semi-permanent gates are available, but they won’t be the best choice for you, as you’re looking for something that can be used comfortably for backyard play.
Thus, you will find two types of the best portable soccer goals.
- Pro pop-up soccer goal.
- Frame-based goals.
What are pop-up soccer goals?
The pop-up goals are the lightest of all soccer goals and are mainly used in training sessions involving children. But this is not something that is used only by children.
Adult players and even professional players also use pop-up versions of the goal during practice. So, you can say that they are suitable for almost all levels of players for their backyard soccer practice.
In terms of portability and ease of storage, these are the best options, but if you want to judge durability, then I must say that this is not something you should go for.
In this case, you should consider frame-based options if you want to shoot the soccer balls with force.
Because the size of this type of portable soccer goal is small, it is the best choice for you or your kids to practice aiming. Plus, no matter how much space you have in your backyard, you can easily place a Pop-up soccer goal gate there.
Eventually:
- An ideal choice for both children and youth, suitable for both adults and training.
- A pop-up soccer goal is the easiest of the other types.
- Very easy to carry and store.
- Versatile and affordable.
- The setup is very simple. You don’t have to do anything other than open it for instant play and roll it up for easy storage in your bag. You will find about three grounding pins, just insert them into the ground. This will make the target solid.
- Not the best in terms of durability. But it is quite normal for your practice. The kids won’t have any problems. Only if you are an adult and throw the ball with the utmost force, then the gate may move a little. Otherwise, it’s good to use regular power punches.
- Most reasonable pop-up gates range in size from 2.5 to 6 feet.
Persistent goals based on frames
As the name suggests, this time you will have a permanent frame for your purposes. The two main benefits you will get from this type of target are:
- Target size is more important than pop-up options.
- They are more durable and can withstand extremely powerful impacts, unlike pop-ups.
The frame material can vary from target to target. Since I am talking about the purposes that can be used for your backyard, no matter what material, each one will be portable.
Some options based on standing frames are easily portable; even can be folded and put in a carry bag. On the other hand, some are difficult to move with.
But with the help of someone else, you can quickly move them back and forth. We call them semi-permanent targets.
Most portable frame doors are light in weight and can easily be carried in a bag. Since you can put them in your bag, that means you can also store them conveniently.
The assembly of these types of heads is also not difficult. But obviously, they are not as simple as their pop-up counterparts. However, in most cases, it takes no more than 15-20 minutes to assemble the best portable soccer goal.
The most important point is that you can use frame-based options for any purpose. Whether it’s training, recreational, or mini-tournament games, frame-based portable gates are what can be your best choice for backyard play.
Age restrictions do not apply here. Ideal for any game.
Eventually:
- The perfect type of portable soccer goal for your backyard.
- It can be used for any purpose such as training, recreational game, or mini-tournament.
- Suitable for any age group.
- Frame-based portable gates are lightweight, and you can easily carry or store them.
- Strong enough to take extremely powerful hits, unlike pop-ups.
- The build takes longer than the pop-ups, but in most cases won’t take more than 15-20 minutes if you take someone’s help.
Pole quality
By far the most important factor, the quality of the pole, determines how long the portable soccer goals will last. Always make sure you choose a gate that provides optimal stability; otherwise, it will cause damage quickly.
In addition, it is extremely important that the supports are made of high-quality compounds, so pay attention to this.
Net size
Most of us are always too focused on goal analysis, which is why we lose sight of the importance of soccer nets.
This is an important criterion to consider, given that you shouldn’t choose a larger gate unless you have a spacious backyard.
If you’re buying a large-size gate, be prepared for sagging issues after installation. The ideal size for a backyard gate is 4 feet by 6 feet, so try to stick to that size.
Soccer goal nets
In this article, we do not consider any particular network. But just in case, if you’re curious about the different networks, you can read on. Otherwise, skip this section.
Materials
Soccer nets are mostly made from synthetic material, which helps the net to stay in good condition for a longer period of time.
But there are some variations of synthetic material. Here I will only discuss the three most common types that are used to make nets.
- High-strength polypropylene (HTPP). HTPP is used to make heavy-duty nets. This means these nets last longer than any other nets and withstands harsh weather conditions.
- Polyethylene (PE). It is one of the common materials used to make nets. Not better than HTTP networks, but better than nylon networks.
- Nylon. Nylon is used to make most soccer goals. This material is available in the USA and is the best choice for custom networking. The quality of this type of football net is quite good.
Soccer goal shape
Since the purpose may be different, you will find some form variations, especially in the case of a standing framed gate. Let’s discuss some familiar soccer goal shapes.
No depth
Yes, no depth. This means that the goal net hangs from the top crossbar directly to the ground, creating a 45-degree angle.
This means that the mesh will only be attached to the front top bar, bottom sidebars, and bottom back bar.
There will be no top sidebar. Here you can either attach the net with the bottom back bar or anchor it directly into the ground. It’s basically a lighter option than one that has depth and is obviously easier to carry around.
The disadvantage of this type is that the space inside the gate is limited. While this shouldn’t be a problem, the goalkeeper won’t have enough room to deflect the shot from inside the goal.
It is the right choice for training and recreational games. Well, with this, you can arrange a mini-tournament.
With depth
The design is more complicated than the goals that have no depth. But don’t think it’s rocket science. The only difference here is that there is depth within the goal.
This means that here you will find the top side panel at a 90-degree angle to the crossbar. This top sidebar extends for several feet, and the mesh continues to this bar before descending at a 45-degree angle to another bar on the ground. So, pretty simple, right?
What’s the use? Usually, such frames are made of quality material; in general, the quality of the network is higher than that of networks without depth.
So overall, these are solid targets without a doubt that have more space inside the target, making this option more stable. What is the downside? Less portable and cost more than their depthless counterparts.
FAQ
Which is the best soccer goals?
When it comes to choosing a portable skeletal soccer ball, we recommend the GOLME PRO skeletal soccer goal for training. Similarly, when it comes to pro-pop-up soccer goals, we recommend the GOLME PRO pop-up soccer goal.
Can I install a soccer goal myself to play in my backyard?
Backyard soccer goals are designed to be extremely user-friendly, making them very easy to install. Installing some of the best-selling models on the market takes as little as 3 minutes.
What size soccer goal is right for my age?
At 10 and 13 years old, a 4 x 6-foot gate is the best choice. If you are older, feel free to choose more substantial sizes.
Conclusion
Remember that football is not just a game, it is a way of life. And as footballers, we deserve only the best when it comes to training sessions. When it comes to soccer goals, low prices should not be favored over a higher-quality product with a longer lifespan.
It’s best if you’re very selective when you want to purchase these portable goals because the most important thing is whether the backyard portable soccer goal can stay stable and solid on the ground.
And that’s why we hope you’ve enjoyed browsing our list of the best portable soccer goals, combining products that offer you the best features on the market at very affordable prices.
Also, we hope we were able to walk you through the basics of these best portable soccer goals with our buyer’s guide and answer your questions in our short FAQ section. We wish you a pleasant pastime with the soccer ball and improve your skills!