How Do You Choose a Soccer Goal for Your Backyard?

The right backyard soccer goal fits your yard, suits the players' age and matches how you want to use it. For most families that means a goal between 6x4' and 12x6': a Q-FOLD if you want a goal that stays up year-round, a KICKSTER if you want to pack it away after every game, and a Q-FOLD Mini if space is tight or the players are very young. For the right size by age, see our Soccer Goal Size by Age guide.

Quick picks

Small backyards and the youngest players: Q-FOLD Mini Soccer Goal 3x2.5'. All-weather uPVC, only 1.5ft deep, and can stay up year-round.
Fastest setup: RHINO Instant Soccer Goal 5x3'. Opens in 1 second with a pull cord.
U5 to U8: KICKSTER Portable Soccer Goal 6x4'. The 4v4 maximum size under U.S. Soccer guidelines, up in 90 seconds.
A goal to leave out year-round: Q-FOLD Folding Soccer Goal 8x5'. All-weather uPVC that folds flat and goes back up in 30 seconds.
7v7 practice at home: Q-FOLD Match Folding Soccer Goal 12x6'. A match-style goal with 2.75in (70mm) posts that lives outside.
Turf and hard courts: KICKSTER Elite Portable Soccer Goal 8x5'. A weighted steel base with non-marking rubber feet.
Goal and rebounder in one: TEKKERS GS Trainer 3-in-1 6x4'. Goal, angled rebounder and ground-pass wall in one.

How much room does a goal take up?

The size name gives you width and height. Depth decides whether a goal fits in front of a fence or deck. Our backyard goals run from 1.5ft to 6ft deep.

Measure from your fence, then add the depth of the goal plus room for players to shoot. Most backyards cannot fit an 18.5x6.5' goal with room to shoot, so families usually pick 6x4', 8x5' or 12x6'.

Our backyard soccer goals compared

Range	Sizes	Frame	Setup	Good for
KICKSTER PRO	4x2.5', 5x3'	Welded box steel base with an internal weight, fiberglass uprights, pre-attached net	20 seconds	Small yards, young players, turf and hard ground
RHINO	4x2.5', 5x3'	2in (50mm) powder-coated aluminum, rubber feet	1 second	Fastest setup, small yards, indoor spaces
KICKSTER	5x3' to 18.5x6.5'	Steel tubes with welded corners, fiberglass Flexi-Post posts	90 seconds	Families who put the goal away after play
KICKSTER Elite	5x3' to 18.5x6.5'	Weighted steel base, non-marking rubber feet, fiberglass uprights	90 seconds	Grass, turf and hard courts
Q-FOLD	3x2.5' to 16x7'	All-weather uPVC, UV-treated 2mm HDPE net	30 seconds after first build	A goal that stays out year-round
Q-FOLD Match	6x4' to 16x7'	Higher-grade uPVC, 2.75in (70mm) posts	10 min first build, then 30 seconds	A match-feel goal that lives outside
GS Series	6x4' to 16x7'	Galvanized, powder-coated steel	About 30 min first build	Year-round training with a club feel
PRO ALU Training	5x3', 6x4'	2in (50mm) aluminum, ships assembled	20 seconds	Young players on grass, turf and gym floors
PRO ALU Match60	6x4' to 24x8'	2.4in (60mm) aluminum, galvanized steel brackets	Opens and locks from flat	A match-feel goal that stores flat
PRO ALU Match80	6x4' to 24x8'	Reinforced 3.15in (80mm) aluminum, all-weather powder coat	Slot-and-bolt assembly	Club-level durability
TEKKERS GS Trainer	6x4', 8x6'	Galvanized, powder-coated steel	About 30 min, then stays up	Solo training: goal, rebounder and pass wall

Stays up year-round, folds flat to store

Folds flat

Q-FOLD goals fold flat. Leave one up for games, then fold it down when you need the yard back. Folded, it stands flat against a wall or fence and takes up a fraction of the space. The frame is all-weather uPVC with a UV-treated net, so it can stay outside all year. After the first build, a folded Q-FOLD goes back up in 30 seconds.

Backyard goals 8

Goal	Depth	Packed size	Setup	Box weight	Surfaces
Q-FOLD Mini Soccer Goal 3x2.5'	1.5ft	41.1 x 8.4 x 4.5in	30 sec	7.3 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
Q-FOLD Folding Soccer Goal 4x2.5'	2.1ft	34.0 x 9.5 x 6.5in	30 sec	14.3 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
Q-FOLD Folding Soccer Goal 5x3'	2.5ft	34.0 x 9.5 x 6.5in	30 sec	14.3 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
Q-FOLD Folding Soccer Goal 6x4'	2.5ft	43.3 x 9.0 x 6.5in	30 sec	16 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
Q-FOLD Folding Soccer Goal 8x5'	3.8ft	45.5 x 8.7 x 8.3in	30 sec	19.6 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
Q-FOLD Folding Soccer Goal 10x6'	3.9ft	46.0 x 9.5 x 9.3in	30 sec	24.2 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
Q-FOLD Folding Soccer Goal 12x6'	3.8ft	47.2 x 17.1 x 9.9in	30 sec	33 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
Q-FOLD Folding Soccer Goal 16x7'	3.8ft	46.9 x 16.7 x 11.4in	30 sec	42.5 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts

Packs away after play

Carry bag

KICKSTER goals are made for quick setup and takedown, not to sit outside all year. The yard stays clear between games, and the carry bag goes in the car trunk for the park or vacation.

Backyard goals 6

Goal	Depth	Packed size	Setup	Box weight	Surfaces
KICKSTER Portable Soccer Goal 5x3'	2.5ft	32.7 x 8.1 x 5.9in	90 sec	11.5 lb	Grass
KICKSTER Portable Soccer Goal 6x4'	2.5ft	32.7 x 8.3 x 6.3in	90 sec	13 lb	Grass
KICKSTER Portable Soccer Goal 8x5'	2.5ft	37.8 x 8.3 x 6.7in	90 sec	15.2 lb	Grass
KICKSTER Portable Soccer Goal 12x6'	3.6ft	47.2 x 9.1 x 6.3in	90 sec	20.3 lb	Grass
KICKSTER Portable Soccer Goal 16x7'	3.6ft	47.2 x 8.7 x 6.7in	90 sec	25.1 lb	Grass
KICKSTER Portable Soccer Goal 18.5x6.5'	3.6ft	47.2 x 8.7 x 6.7in	90 sec	25.6 lb	Grass

On turf, pavement or indoors, add QUICKPLAY Base Weights (sold separately).

For turf, patios and hard courts

Weighted base

KICKSTER Elite has a weighted steel base with non-marking rubber feet, so it grips on turf and hard courts without stakes. It also comes with ground stakes for grass.

Backyard goals 6

Goal	Depth	Packed size	Setup	Box weight	Surfaces
KICKSTER Elite Portable Soccer Goal 5x3'	2.5ft	32.7 x 8.1 x 6.3in	90 sec	18.1 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
KICKSTER Elite Portable Soccer Goal 6x4'	2.5ft	33.5 x 8.7 x 6.3in	90 sec	19.6 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
KICKSTER Elite Portable Soccer Goal 8x5'	2.5ft	37.0 x 8.9 x 6.3in	90 sec	21 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
KICKSTER Elite Portable Soccer Goal 12x6'	3.6ft	47.6 x 8.7 x 5.6in	90 sec	32.2 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
KICKSTER Elite Portable Soccer Goal 16x7'	3.6ft	47.8 x 8.5 x 6.5in	90 sec	36.4 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
KICKSTER Elite Portable Soccer Goal 18.5x6.5'	3.6ft	47.6 x 9.1 x 6.5in	90 sec	36.8 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts

Ready in seconds

Freestanding

PRO ALU Training goals ship fully assembled and go from folded to ready in 20 seconds. They stand on their own, with no stakes needed.

Backyard goals 2

Goal	Depth	Packed size	Setup	Box weight	Surfaces
PRO ALU Training Soccer Goal 5x3'	2.4ft	39.0 x 18.0 x 5.0in	20 sec	23 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
PRO ALU Training Soccer Goal 6x4'	3.1ft	41.3 x 18.0 x 5.5in	20 sec	26 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts

Goal and rebounder in one

2-in-1 and 3-in-1

The KICKSTER 2-in-1 swaps between a goal net and a rebounder panel for passing and first touch. The TEKKERS GS Trainer is a goal, an angled rebounder for chest and volley returns, and a flat ground-pass wall.

Backyard goals 3

Goal	Depth	Packed size	Setup	Box weight	Surfaces
KICKSTER 2-in-1 Soccer Goal / Soccer Rebounder 8x5'	2.5ft	36.6 x 8.7 x 5.9in	90 sec	19.6 lb	Grass
TEKKERS GS Trainer 3-in-1 6x4'	3ft	35.6 x 15.0 x 6.1in	30 min, then stays up	44.1 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
TEKKERS GS Trainer 3-in-1 8x6'	3.9ft	40.4 x 15.0 x 6.1in	30 min, then stays up	52.9 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts

Step up: club-grade goals

Club feel

Goals built for clubs and academies, in sizes that suit home. KICKSTER PRO has a welded steel base and folds in 20 seconds with the net still attached. RHINO is a 2in (50mm) aluminum frame that opens in 1 second with a pull cord. For a goal that stays out with a real match feel, Q-FOLD Match uses higher-grade uPVC with 2.75in (70mm) posts. GS Series is galvanized, powder-coated steel. PRO ALU Match60 and Match80 are rigid aluminum frames, and the Match80 adds reinforced 3.15in (80mm) posts.

Backyard goals 14

Goal	Depth	Packed size	Setup	Box weight	Surfaces
KICKSTER PRO Soccer Goal 4x2.5'	2.5ft	35.4 x 7.9 x 5.7in	20 sec	11 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
KICKSTER PRO Soccer Goal 5x3'	2.5ft	47.2 x 9.1 x 5.7in	20 sec	12.5 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
RHINO Instant Soccer Goal 4x2.5'	2.7ft	33.1 x 20.1 x 5.1in	1 sec	17.6 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
RHINO Instant Soccer Goal 5x3'	3.2ft	40.6 x 23.0 x 5.7in	1 sec	19.2 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
Q-FOLD Match Folding Soccer Goal 6x4'	2.5ft	46.9 x 11.2 x 9.4in	30 sec (10 min first build)	24.3 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
Q-FOLD Match Folding Soccer Goal 8x5'	3.8ft	46.9 x 14.3 x 9.6in	30 sec (10 min first build)	29 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
Q-FOLD Match Folding Soccer Goal 12x6'	3.8ft	46.4 x 16.7 x 9.8in	30 sec (10 min first build)	40.6 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
GS Series Soccer Goal 6x4'	3ft	33.1 x 15.0 x 5.3in	30 min first build	37.5 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
GS Series Soccer Goal 8x5'	4ft	37.2 x 15.0 x 5.7in	30 min first build	48.2 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
GS Series Soccer Goal 12x6'	5ft	41.5 x 15.0 x 6.1in	30 min first build	64.4 lb	Grass, turf, hard courts
PRO ALU Match60 Soccer Goal 6x4'	3.6ft	2 boxes: 46.5 x 10.6 x 4.7in and 15.7 x 15.7 x 8.7in	Folds flat	41.7 lb	Grass, turf
PRO ALU Match60 Soccer Goal 8x5'	3.9ft	2 boxes: 46.5 x 10.6 x 4.7in and 15.7 x 15.7 x 8.7in	Folds flat	49.6 lb	Grass, turf
PRO ALU Match60 Soccer Goal 12x6'	4ft	2 boxes: 70.5 x 10.6 x 4.7in and 15.7 x 15.7 x 8.7in	Folds flat	76.3 lb	Grass, turf
PRO ALU Match80 Soccer Goal 12x6'	6ft	3 boxes: 71.1 x 13.4 x 3.9in, 65.0 x 13.4 x 3.9in and 42.9 x 17.3 x 7.1in	Slot and bolt	120.3 lb	Grass, turf

The match-style goals here are heavier and take longer to build, so they suit a spot where the goal can stay.

Frame materials: uPVC, steel, aluminum or fiberglass

uPVC (Q-FOLD and Q-FOLD Match)

uPVC does not rust and handles year-round weather, so it suits a goal that stays outside. Q-FOLD Match uses a higher-grade uPVC with 2.75in (70mm) posts and angled stanchions for a deeper net.

Steel with fiberglass Flexi-Post uprights (KICKSTER range)

KICKSTER goals combine steel tubes with welded corner joints and flexible fiberglass posts that absorb impact and keep the frame true. The Flexi-Post design is patented, and QUICKPLAY has made KICKSTER since 2007.

Galvanized steel (GS Series and TEKKERS GS Trainer)

Steel is the heaviest and stiffest option. The frame is galvanized and powder-coated, with aluminum spring pins that lock it without tools. Choose steel for a goal that stays up all season.

Aluminum (RHINO and PRO ALU)

Aluminum does not rust and is light for its strength. RHINO and PRO ALU Training use a 2in (50mm) frame and fold for storage. PRO ALU Match60 steps up to 2.4in (60mm) posts, and Match80 uses reinforced 3.15in (80mm) aluminum.

Grass, turf or pavement: keeping the goal in place

KICKSTER: steel ground stakes for grass. On turf, pavement or indoors, use QUICKPLAY Base Weights (sold separately).
KICKSTER PRO and KICKSTER Elite: a weighted steel base with rubber feet grips turf and hard courts. KICKSTER Elite also uses ground stakes on grass.
Q-FOLD: comes with ground anchors for grass. On patios, turf or hard courts, use sandbags over the base frame (sold separately).
RHINO: rubber feet grip grass, turf and indoor floors. Add QUICKPLAY Dual Sandbags for extra weight on slick surfaces.
PRO ALU Training and TEKKERS GS Trainer: stay planted on grass, turf and hard ground without ground stakes.
Stay safe: always fix the goal as its instructions describe. Never let kids climb on or swing from a goal, and fold it down or bring it in if strong winds are forecast.

Backyard soccer goal FAQs

What size soccer goal is best for a backyard?

For most backyards, 6x4' or 8x5'. 6x4' is the 4v4 maximum for U5 to U8 under U.S. Soccer guidelines, and 8x5' is a natural step up for U9 and U10 that still fits most yards. With more room, a 12x6' goal gives older kids a bigger target. For toddlers or small spaces, pick a smaller goal such as the Q-FOLD Mini (3x2.5').

How much space do I need behind a backyard soccer goal?

Check the depth as well as the width. Our backyard goals run from 1.5ft deep (Q-FOLD Mini) to 6ft deep (PRO ALU Match80 12x6'). A 6x4' KICKSTER or Q-FOLD is 2.5ft deep.

Can you leave a soccer goal outside year-round?

Yes, if you choose a goal made for it. Q-FOLD and Q-FOLD Match goals are all-weather uPVC with a UV-treated net, and GS Series goals have a galvanized, powder-coated steel frame. KICKSTER goals are made to be packed away after each use.

Which backyard soccer goal is quickest to set up?

RHINO opens in 1 second with a pull cord. PRO ALU Training and KICKSTER PRO go from folded to ready in 20 seconds, and a folded Q-FOLD in 30 seconds after the first build. KICKSTER goals take about 90 seconds.

Can I put a soccer goal on turf or a patio?

Yes. Choose a goal with a weighted base, like KICKSTER PRO or KICKSTER Elite, or a freestanding goal like RHINO or PRO ALU Training. A Q-FOLD works too, with sandbags (sold separately) over the base frame. A standard KICKSTER needs Base Weights on hard ground.

Is a PVC or metal soccer goal better for a backyard?

It depends on whether the goal stays up. uPVC goals such as Q-FOLD do not rust and fold flat when you need the space. Steel goals such as GS Series are heavier and stiffer, with a club feel, but take longer to build. KICKSTER goals are lighter and pack into a bag. Aluminum goals such as RHINO fold fast and do not rust.

How do you keep a backyard soccer goal from moving?

Use the fixings made for your goal and surface. KICKSTER goals come with steel ground stakes for grass, and QUICKPLAY Base Weights hold them on turf, pavement or indoors. KICKSTER Elite and KICKSTER PRO have weighted steel bases with rubber feet for hard surfaces.

Is a 12x6 goal too big for a backyard?

A 12x6' goal needs a larger yard with room to shoot, but it fits many family backyards. It is 3.6ft to 6ft deep depending on the range. If space is short, an 8x5' goal gives a similar feel in a smaller footprint.

QUICKPLAY was established in 2007 and designs portable and folding soccer goals for backyards, schools and clubs. Browse all backyard soccer goals, or check the right size by age in our Soccer Goal Size by Age guide.