The best backyard soccer goal is the one that fits your yard, suits the age of the players 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 KICKSTER PRO or RHINO if space is tight or the players are very young. This guide explains each choice and links goal sizes to US Soccer's small-sided guidelines.
Quick picks
- Best for small backyards and the youngest players: KICKSTER PRO Soccer Goal 4x2.5'. Ready in 20 seconds, folds with the net attached.
- Fastest setup: RHINO Instant Soccer Goal 5x3'. Opens in 1 second with a pull cord: the world's fastest goal to set up.
- Best for U6 to U8: KICKSTER Portable Soccer Goal 6x4'. The largest goal size for 4v4 under US Soccer guidelines, up in under 2 minutes.
- Best 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.
- Best for 7v7 practice at home: Q-FOLD Match Folding Soccer Goal 12x6'. A match-style goal with rigid 2.75in (70mm) posts that lives outside.
- Best for turf and hard courts: KICKSTER Elite Portable Soccer Goal 8x5'. A weighted steel base with non-marking rubber feet.
- Best aluminum match goal for the backyard: PRO ALU Match60 Soccer Goal 8x5'. A rigid, match-style 2.4in (60mm) aluminum frame that folds flat for storage and fits comfortably in most backyards.
- Best goal and rebounder in one frame: TEKKERS GS Trainer 3-in-1 7x5'. Goal, angled rebounder and ground-pass wall in one.
QUICKPLAY backyard soccer goals compared
| Goal | Sizes | Frame | Setup | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KICKSTER PRO | 4x2.5', 5x3' | Welded box steel base with an internal weight, solid fiberglass uprights, pre-attached net | 20 seconds, folds with the net on | Small backyards, young players, turf and hard ground |
| RHINO | 4x2.5', 5x3' | 2in (50mm) powder-coated aluminum, rubber feet | 1 second with a pull cord | The fastest setup, small backyards, indoor spaces |
| KICKSTER | 5x3' to 18.5x6.5' | Steel tubes with welded corners, fiberglass Flexi-Post posts | Under 2 minutes | Families who put the goal away after play |
| KICKSTER Elite | 5x3' to 18.5x6.5' | Weighted steel base with non-marking rubber feet, fiberglass uprights | Under 2 minutes | Grass, turf and hard courts |
| Q-FOLD | 3x2.5' (Mini) to 16x7' | All-weather uPVC, UV-treated 2mm HDPE net | First build, then 30 seconds from folded flat | A goal that stays in the yard year-round |
| Q-FOLD Match | 6x4' to 16x7', 9.8x6.5' futsal | Higher-grade all-weather uPVC, 2.75in (70mm) posts | About 10 minutes first build, then 30 seconds | A match-feel goal that lives outside |
| GS Series | 6x4' to 16x7', 9.8x6.5' futsal | Galvanized, powder-coated steel, 1.65in crossbar and uprights | About 30 minutes first build | Year-round training with a club feel |
| PRO ALU Training | 5x3', 6x4' | 2in (50mm) aluminum frame with aluminum joints | 10 seconds; ships fully assembled | Young players on grass, turf and gym floors |
| PRO ALU Match60 | 6x4' to 24x8', 9.8x6.5' futsal | 2.4in (60mm) aluminum posts and crossbar, galvanized steel brackets, braided HDPE net | Opens and locks from flat; folds flat between sessions | A match-feel aluminum goal that stores flat |
| PRO ALU Match80 | 6x4' to 24x8', 9.8x6.5' futsal | Reinforced 3.15in (80mm) aluminum, all-weather powder coat, net support strap | Slot-and-bolt assembly | Club-level durability for families, schools and clubs |
| TEKKERS GS Trainer 3-in-1 | 6x4', 7x5', 8x6' | Galvanized, powder-coated steel, 1.65in crossbar | About 30 minutes first build | Solo training: goal, rebounder and pass wall |
What size soccer goal do you need for a backyard?
Start with the players' age, then check the space. US Soccer's Player Development Initiatives set these maximum goal sizes for small-sided soccer:
- U6 to U8, 4v4: up to 6x4'
- U9 to U10, 7v7: up to 18.5x6.5'
- U11 to U12, 9v9: up to 21x7'
- U13 and older, 11v11: 24x8'
Most backyards cannot fit an 18.5x6.5' goal with room to shoot, so families usually pick 6x4', 8x5' or 12x6'. 8x5' is a natural step up from 6x4' for U9 and U10 players, and 12x6' gives older kids a bigger, match-like target that still fits many yards.
U6 to U8 and small yards
A 6x4' goal matches the largest size for 4v4. The KICKSTER Portable Soccer Goal 6x4', Q-FOLD Folding Soccer Goal 6x4' and PRO ALU Training Soccer Goal 6x4' are all this size. For toddlers or a very small yard, a 4x2.5' goal such as the RHINO Instant Soccer Goal 4x2.5' is a good first target, and the Q-FOLD Mini Soccer Goal 3x2.5' is a fold-flat starter goal. See all kids soccer goals.
U9 to U12
An 8x5' or 12x6' goal gives growing players a bigger target. The KICKSTER Portable Soccer Goal 12x6', Q-FOLD Folding Soccer Goal 12x6' and Q-FOLD Match Folding Soccer Goal 12x6' are all 12x6'. For a large yard, KICKSTER and KICKSTER Elite go up to 18.5x6.5', the largest 7v7 size. For a match-style aluminum frame, the PRO ALU Match60 Soccer Goal 8x5' is an ideal next step after 6x4' for U9 and U10 players, and the PRO ALU Match80 Soccer Goal 12x6' brings club-level durability to a larger yard.
Teens and adults
Older players rarely need a full-size goal at home. A smaller 5x3' or 6x4' target makes finishing more precise, which is why RHINO and KICKSTER PRO goals are also used for technical work with older players.
Portable goal or leave-out goal?
Pack it away after play. 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. KICKSTER PRO and RHINO fold in seconds and suit the same way of playing. See all portable soccer goals.
Leave it up year-round. Q-FOLD, Q-FOLD Match and GS Series goals are built to live outside. Q-FOLD goals are all-weather uPVC with a UV-treated net, and they fold flat against a wall or fence when you need the lawn back. After the first build, a folded Q-FOLD goes back up in 30 seconds. The GS Series frame is galvanized and powder-coated for year-round rust protection, but takes about 30 minutes to build, so it suits a spot where the goal can stay. See all foldable soccer goals.
Want the top of the range? For a premium, all-weather backyard goal with a real stadium feel, consider the PRO ALU Match60 or the PRO ALU Match80. Both use rigid aluminum match frames, and the Match80 adds reinforced 3.15in (80mm) posts with an all-weather powder coat. See all PRO ALU soccer goals.
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. The 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. KICKSTER was the original Flexi-Post goal, and QUICKPLAY has made it since 2007.
Galvanized steel (GS Series and TEKKERS GS Trainer 3-in-1)
Steel is the heaviest and stiffest option. The GS Series frame is galvanized and powder-coated, with aluminum spring pins that lock the frame without tools. Choose steel for a goal that stays up all season.
Aluminum (RHINO, PRO ALU Training and PRO ALU Match)
Aluminum does not rust and is light for its strength. RHINO and PRO ALU Training goals use a 2in (50mm) aluminum frame and fold for storage. The PRO ALU Match60 steps up to 2.4in (60mm) posts with galvanized steel brackets and still folds flat, while the PRO ALU Match80 uses reinforced 3.15in (80mm) aluminum with an all-weather powder coat for club-level use. See all aluminum soccer goals.
Grass, turf or pavement: keeping the goal in place
- KICKSTER: steel ground stakes for grass. On turf, pavement or indoors, use QUICKPLAY Base Weights.
- KICKSTER Elite and KICKSTER PRO: a weighted steel base with rubber feet grips turf and hard courts. KICKSTER Elite also uses ground stakes on grass.
- Q-FOLD Mini: ground stakes on grass, and sandbags over the base frame on patios or courts.
- RHINO: rubber feet grip grass, turf and indoor floors. Add QUICKPLAY Dual Sandbags for extra ballast on slick surfaces.
- PRO ALU Training: stays planted on grass, turf and gym floors without ground stakes.
Always fix the goal as its instructions describe.
Want a goal that trains skills too?
Two backyard goals double as rebounders. The KICKSTER 2-in-1 Soccer Goal / Soccer Rebounder 8x5' swaps between a goal net and a rebounder panel for passing and first touch, and suits players aged 5 and up. The TEKKERS GS Trainer 3-in-1 7x5' is a goal, an angled rebounder for chest and volley returns, and a flat ground-pass wall. See all combo goals and rebounders.
Backyard soccer goal FAQs
What size soccer goal is best for a backyard?
For most backyards, 6x4' or 8x5' is the best size. 6x4' is the largest goal for U6 to U8 4v4 under US Soccer guidelines, and 8x5' is a natural step up for U9 and U10 players that still fits most yards. If you have more room, a 12x6' goal gives older kids a bigger, match-like target. For toddlers or small spaces, pick a 4x2.5' or 5x3' goal such as the KICKSTER PRO or RHINO.
What size soccer goal does a 6 year old need?
A 6-year-old plays U6 to U8 4v4, where US Soccer guidelines allow goals up to 6x4'. The KICKSTER Portable Soccer Goal 6x4' and Q-FOLD Folding Soccer Goal 6x4' are both this size. For a smaller yard, a 4x2.5' KICKSTER PRO or RHINO gives a compact target that builds accuracy.
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 different: they are made to be packed away after each use, which keeps the yard clear.
Which backyard soccer goal is quickest to set up?
RHINO is the quickest: pull the release cord and it opens in 1 second. KICKSTER PRO is next at 20 seconds, with the net already attached. PRO ALU Training goals ship fully assembled and go from folded to ready in 10 seconds, KICKSTER goals take under 2 minutes, and a folded Q-FOLD goes back up in 30 seconds after the first build.
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 are designed to stay outside, then 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. Steel and fiberglass 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 grip on hard surfaces, and PRO ALU Training goals stay planted without ground stakes.
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 suits U9 to U12 players, because it sits within the US Soccer maximums for 7v7 and 9v9. 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 the full range of soccer goals.