Best Soccer Goals For Backyard (Reviewed)
You got to admit whether it's the backyard or the sports ground, one needs a soccer goal to seriously practice and train. While most of the soccer training centers are equipped with permanent full-size soccer goals but what about home users?
For backyard usage, portable soccer goals are an excellent choice. They are easier to set up, portable, come in various sizes, sturdy while offering a similar playing experience as of larger nets.
To help you pick the best backyard soccer goal for your needs, we researched over 34 models and played on 15 of them checking for durability, ease of setup, and value for money.
Here are our top picks:
Best High End
QuickPlay Kickster Elite Portable Soccer Goal
Best Mid Range
Net World Sports Forza Backyard Soccer Goal
Best Inexpensive
Lifetime Steel Soccer Goal with Adjustable Height
Last Updated: 8th Mar, 2023
Soccer is one of those sports that it can be difficult to practice shooting skills without access to a good soccer goal. Sure, you can practice dribbling or other foot drills, but what if you want to work on your aim for your powerful shots on goal or just have a friendly game in the comfort of your home?
If you are a soccer player or have kids interested in the sport, having a soccer goal is a must for your backyard. Not only can it help younger athletes stay entertained with a more game-like target, but also more serious athletes can work on real skills in their own backyard.
For this reason, a portable soccer goal is the easiest way to access these perks with a quick setup and takedown. You can always drive to a park or a school, but having a portable one just for you cuts out the possibilities of waiting for a goal to open or even having to drive anywhere – your goal can be with you at your home or wherever you decide to take it!
If you are yourself a player, have family that enjoys the sport, are raising energetic teens, or are a coach of any sort – a backyard soccer goal is all you need. Below we have reviewed 7 backyard soccer goals, which we feel are the best ones on the market.
So, no matter if you're looking for youth soccer goals or full-size ones for adults, we have you covered.
Top Picks for the Best Backyard Soccer Goals
- QuickPlay Kickster Elite Portable Soccer Goal with Weighted Base- Pro Pick
- Net World Sports Forza Backyard Soccer Goal - Best Overall
- Lifetime Steel Soccer Goal with Adjustable Height - Budget Pick
- EliteGo Portable Soccer Goal - Best Pop-Up Goal
- GOLME PRO Training Soccer Goal - Best Full-Size portable soccer goal
- QuickPlay PRO Match-Fold Portable Soccer Goal Range - Durable Pick
- QuickPlay Spot Elite 3-in-1 Portable Soccer Goal - Best Multipurpose Soccer goal
- Little Tikes Easy Score Soccer Set - Best for toddlers
Choose the right Size: For kids and teens, a 6'x'4' or 8'x4' goal is suitable while for adults, look for goals bigger than 8'x6'.
1. QuickPlay Kickster Elite Portable Soccer Goal with Weighted Base - Pro Pick
If you or your kids are looking for a pro-quality backyard soccer goal that is easy to put together while being both durable and portable – there is no better elite goal to use than QuickPlay's Kickster Elite with Weighted Base.
It's primarily made for serious athletes and training purposes, and hence it comes with a top-notch build quality to withstand rigorous play. This also makes it an excellent choice for homes, ensuring you get years of use out of the unit.
Build Quality:
The Kickster Elite Portable Goal stands out due to its weighted base and rubber feet. This allows for it to be used on all surfaces, whether indoor or outdoor. There is no need to put additional weight on the goal because it is already provided with the durability to last on these surfaces and withstand the force of powerful shots. This makes it perfect for its versatility and its ability to handle kicks from the best. The flexibility of the elastic net amazingly absorbs the energy of the ball, without flimsily letting it loose.
Standout Features:
But what use is a goal if it isn't able to be moved easily to and from? Kickster Elite knocks portability out of the park, as it is able to be put into a carry bag with a shoulder strap. Coaches and players can easily take it on the go, wherever they need the goal!
Quickplay is praised for its easy to set up goals, boasting a two-minute set up to spend. This means less time fumbling and more time practicing. Quickplay's pole system already has pre-attached poles, which makes it so self-explanatory and easy to put up.
Its free two-year warranty also exemplifies Quickplay confidence that it is built to last. The Kickster Elite is available in a wide range of sizes, depending on the size you are looking for, age group, intent, and your particular needs.
Specifications:
- Multiple Sizes - 5'x3', 6.5' x 3', 10'x3', 10'x5', 12'x6', 16'x7'
- Quick 2-minute setup
- Robust & Flexible design
- Meets BS EN 10028-7 manufacturing standards
- 2-year warranty
Review:
Quickplay's easy set-up, variety of size options, durability, weighted base, and elastic net makes it the perfect pick for backyard or players looking for the best of the best quality that can handle the most skilled shooters.
While it's not cheap, considering the overall build quality and design, we feel it's well worth the premium. For these reasons, the Kickster Elite gets our vote for Pro Pick and is highly recommended for anyone looking for a durable soccer net.
2. Net World Sports Forza Backyard Soccer Goal – Best Overall
Next on the list, we have the Net World Sports Forza Backyard Soccer Goal. It's also the best-selling backyard soccer goal on Amazon with 300 rave reviews. Unlike our top pick, this goal is made of interlocking uPVC joints giving it a similar look like a real goal post. Due to the sturdier and thicker frame used, it remains stable no matter how fast you shoot the ball, and it can easily handle rough play by enthusiastic teens or kids. The net is also made tough using 2mm HDPE ropes, which are further UV treated to prevent sun and weather damage.
These factors make it ideal for backyard soccer, training, or shootout practice. However, the downside is due to the heavier frame, it's less portable. But if you don't intend to move the goal around much, it wouldn't be an issue.
The goal also comes in a range of sizes: 6ft x 4ft, 8ft x 4ft, 8ft x 5ft. 8ft x 6ft, and 12ft x 6ft. For backyard usage, 6'x4' or 8'x4' size is an ideal choice, while for full-fledged practice or training, a 12'x6' goal is a good choice.
Being a free-standing model, it can be used indoors as well as outdoors. On grass surfaces, additionally, you can install the ground pegs for increased stability. The assembly is also as easy as it gets. The unique button locking system results in improved strength while making it simple to assemble.
The pricing is where this unit stands out. It's priced reasonably compared to some of the costlier models while offering near-similar functionality.
Key Features:
- Multiple sizes
- Sturdy uPVC construction
- Unique button interlocking joints for strength and ease of set up
Review:
Dollar for Dollar, the Net World Sports Forza Backyard Soccer Goal is a no-brainer. It's built durably to withstand years of play while still being priced reasonably.
3. Lifetime Steel Soccer Goal with Adjustable Height – Budget Pick
It isn't always easy to find good equipment for a bargain price that you can use to train at top-notch levels. Usually, going with a lower-priced option always means compromising with subpar quality. However, with the Lifetime Steel Soccer Goal with Adjustable Height, this is not the case!
For a price much less than competitors, Lifetime Steel Soccer Goal offers quality well above its price range. Rather than being built with flimsy material, this goal is made with 18 gauge powder-coated steel construction able to resist the most severe weather and rust, as well as stay stable in-game. Its net is also made of heavy-duty nylon that absorbs shots better than the cheaper ones.
The hinged steel poles lock in place with a pin, which also makes it easy to fold down for convenient storage. For small backyards where space is at a premium, this feature really comes handy as you can dismantle the soccer goal as and when required.
The unique feature of this goal is the telescopic height adjustment option. You can easily adjust the height of the goal post to 3, 4, or 5 feet and width from 4 to 7 feet. For kids, you can keep the height at minimal, while for teens, you can set the height in the middle.
With its convenient foldable design and included ground stakes, you can take the goal wherever. The goal is easy to assemble, as well as can be adjusted to whatever height you find necessary.
Key Features:
- Adjustable height and width
- 18-gauge sturdy steel frame
- Quick assembly
- 5-year limited warranty
Final Note:
Not many soccer goals at such a competitive price can include all the extras of the Lifetime Steel Soccer Goal. From adjustable height to sturdy weather-resistant materials, the goal has quality astoundingly beyond its price.
For this reason, if you are looking for a portable backyard soccer goal at an unbeatable price, the Lifetime Steel Soccer Goal is our 'Budget Pick' for you.
4. EliteGo Portable Soccer Goal – Best Pop-Up Goal
Parenting or coaching young athletes? Sometimes a simple pop-up goal is exactly what you need. If you are looking for a smaller goal that is easy to set up in your backyard for youths or juniors or simply super transportable – a pop-up goal is what would do the trick!
What makes the EliteGo Portable Soccer Goal different is its pop-up design made from fiberglass poles. These are mini goals that set up in minutes, perfect for younger players or your backyard. Their smaller 4' x 3' x 3' size is great for teaching young kids how to play the game and start their passion!
Each set includes two soccer goals, so you get two goals for one price! This is a perfect combo for practices, drills, and even games. In the set, you also get 8 stainless steel ground pegs to keep the nets standing.
The biggest downfall of these goals is that they are simple and light small pop-up nets that are not meant for older age groups or powerful kicks. But this does not take away from how perfect they are for kids and teens.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and portable pop up design
- Heavy-duty dacron netting with flexible yet sturdy poles
- Storage and carry bag included
Final Note:
If you are seeking soccer goals for youths with a quick portable set-up, the EliteGo Portable Soccer Goal is an excellent option. It's small and does not take much space and is very easy to set up and fold down.
5. GOLME PRO Training Soccer Goal – Best Full-Size portable soccer goal
Unfortunately, with many portable goals, they tend to be on the smaller side to make it easier to transport. However, for older athletes or serious play, downsizing is not an option, and one needs a full-size regulation goal.
The GOLME PRO Training Soccer Goal is the exception and provides a full-size portable soccer goal that you can actually comfortably set up in your backyard and take with you on-the-go.
The goal comes in three regulation sizes:
- 6.5 x 18.5 ft. (Regulation Youth): Ages 11 and Under
- 7.2 x 18 ft. (Regulation Beach): All Ages
- 8 x 24 ft. (Regulation Adult)
It is also easy to set-up or takedown without the hassle of flipping through an instruction manual or putting together parts.
While it is portable, it does not mean it is weak – it is built from durable yet lightweight aluminum and can take quite a bit of force. This goal is meant to last.
GOLME PRO is designed to help players of all ages train to be their best, so it offers three different regulation size goals depending on your age group. This can allow you to practice on the goals properly as you will be shooting on during game time and work on your skills. Although it is a significantly higher price, its incredible design and full-size build are well worth the cost.
Key Features:
- Patented one-piece design for quick 3-minute set up and takedown
- Small and convenient storage
- Aircraft-grade aluminum frame
- Risk-free 30 days trial
Review:
If you are a serious player or coach, or the parent of a dedicated athlete, you should invest in a GOLME PRO Training Soccer Goal. It's a lifelike full-size goal but still portable enough to carry around.
This goal is hands down the 'Best Full-Size Portable Soccer Goal'.
6. QuickPlay PRO Match-Fold Portable Soccer Goal Range – Durable Pick
Do you want a goal built to last the strongest of weather or to be utilized for many years to come? QuickPlay once again has you covered with their PRO Match-Fold Portable Soccer Goal.
Designed by soccer players for soccer players, this goal is made specifically for durability. It has a super-strong frame, specifically 3 inches thick made with uPVC. This material is thicker than the other frailer portables goals on the market and is built for one purpose – to last.
The posts are also certain to last with locking spring buttons securing the frame and bungees to absorb contact with the net and for easy set-up. Due to its strength, it is perfect for all ages and has a heavy-duty net to match. Quickplay's two-year warranty still applies.
Despite its strength, it can be folded flat and still placed into a QuickPlay bag or folded on a fence or wall. It takes a little longer to set up, due to its more complex design but is still ready in about 5 minutes with the pre-attached pole system making the put-up easy.
It comes in 6 different sizes: 6'x4', 8'x5', 10'x6', and 12'x6'. So, you can choose a size based on the age of the kids using it or space available in your backyard.
Key Features:
- Sturdy 3-inch diameter uPVC Crossbar & Posts
- Pre-attached pole system for quick 5-minutes set-up and takedown
- Comes with a carry bag
- 2-year parts warranty
Final Note:
The strength of the QuickPlay PRO Match-Fold Portable Soccer Goal is incomparable to others and stands out as our Durable Pick.
7. QuickPlay Spot Elite 3-in-1 Portable Soccer Goal – Best Multi-purpose Soccer goal
Do you want a little more than just a goal or not sure exactly what you need? An all-around multipurpose goal would be perfect for you!
With QuickPlay's Spot Elite 3 in 1 Portable Soccer Goal, in one price, you get a free-kick wall, rebounder, and 8'x6' goal with cones included. It is the ultimate training package allowing you to have all the tools necessary to work on mastering your skills in the backyard or have a full practice set-up wherever you go. This is perfect for homes, schools, and coaches to bring an elite toolkit that can be quickly set up anywhere.
The weighted base and rubber pads make it easy to play on any surface limitations - no need for sandbag weights to hold down the goal!
Key Features:
- 3-in-1 soccer training goal, soccer rebounder, and free-kick wall
- Suitable for both indoors and outdoors
- Weighted base with non-slip rubber feet
Review:
If you want a full package with multiple training equipment, don't settle for purchasing separately or a ragtag multi-purpose kit. Get the QuickPlay Spot Elite 3-in-1, the Best Multi-purpose Portable Soccer Goal on the market.
8. Little Tikes Easy Score Soccer Set – Best for Toddlers
Are you looking to get your toddler his/her very own soccer goal? Little Tikes Easy Score Soccer Set is meant for you!
This goal measures 48"W x 18"D x 30"H, which is an ideal size to teach young kids the game of soccer right in the comfort of your backyard. Teaching sports at a young age not only helps them get better at the game but also builds coordination and social skills. So, sometimes a little soccer net in the backyard is a wonderful way to get the kids out of the house and into some fun physical activity.
The heavy-duty material of this particular goal makes it a strong choice for friendly games, and the height is adjustable to your needs. It is easy to disassemble and lightweight for portability.
A soccer ball and pump are also included in the package, making it truly a fun soccer package for your growing superstars!
Key Features:
- All-inclusive set - comes with a goal, ball, and pump
- Adjustable height
- Age: 2+ years
Review:
Little Tikes Easy Score Soccer Set has our vote for 'Best For Toddlers', due to its fun appearance, quick easy setup, portability, strong construction, and all-inclusive set with the ball.
Backyard Soccer Goal Buyer's Guide
With so many options, it can be confusing to figure out what soccer goal to pick for your backyard. Therefore, we've decided to outline some things to put into consideration before placing that order.
Key Considerations
Age Of Player
If you are purchasing for an adult league, the size and sturdiness of the goal will need to differ from one for 10-year-old players and especially 5-year-olds. Each age group has different size regulations that you should be aware of before finalizing the goal you intend to purchase. What is perfect for a younger age group may be useless for another or vice versa. Make sure your goal is clearly designed for the age you are purposing for, because it will definitely improve their training and save you the hassle of having to return a product that isn't quite what you hoped for.
Purpose of the Goal
Is this goal only for our backyard? What about indoor or outdoor play? If you intend to keep the goal only in your backyard, choose a heavier soccer goal, preferably made of thick (2" +) uPVC.
If you are looking for a goal that is just easy to bring on trips, you may just need a simple, lightweight set-up. For training, you may want a sturdier or more versatile set-up. Likewise, indoor or outdoor goals differ in terms of their base. Similarly, a lightweight goal designed solely for portability may not offer the best performance. Luckily, many goals on this list are perfect for multiple purposes – but it is always best practice to ensure the goal's design properly aligns with your intentions of use.
Portable soccer goals are also perfect for if you are yourself working as a coach, because you have an extra goal that you can take with you to every practice and boost your training with another goal, no matter the location. Having multiple goals can heighten the productivity of your practices and allow your players to perform multiple drills at the same time.
Size
How much space do you want to dedicate to a soccer goal in your backyard? Measure the size you are looking for to avoid purchasing something that is too clunky, doesn't fit in available space, or isn't as big as you hoped it to be. All goals will outline their dimensions for reference, and some even offer several options, so you can personalize to your available space.
Budget
If you have an amount you are avoiding spending over, be true to yourself and look for the best-in-class purchase for your needs within your budget. Buying a portable soccer goal does not need to eat up your wallet.
Conclusion
Buying a soccer goal for the backyard is exciting! It is a goal that you can set-up within minutes while offering you hours and hours of fun. These goals are portable, which means you can always carry it to your training sessions or even to your friend's place.
Avoid the pains of spending minutes moving a goal or putting one together. Save time with setting up and driving to a park or waiting for a goal to open. Playing soccer is never easier than with a portable backyard soccer goal, and there are plenty of options to pick from - choose the best one for you!
