How to Properly Maintain a Full Size Soccer Goal
For many families, soccer goals are crucial equipment to get kids hooked on the game. They’re also a great way to build team spirit and learn goal-scoring basics.
There are many different sizes of soccer goals for various age groups, so it’s important to find the right ones that will be safe and fun for your children.
Frame Material
The frame material used for a full-size soccer goal depends on several factors. It can vary from lightweight plastic goals to metal ones with greater durability for training-specific goals. In addition, the type of net used will also impact its strength and longevity.
A full-size soccer goal is a large structure that consists of three upright posts between 4 and 5 inches in diameter and a crossbar that extends from each post to the ground. The dimensions of the goal are set by FIFA and are used for all official soccer matches. The distance between the posts is typically 12 feet, and the crossbar height is usually 8 feet from the ground.
Depending on the goal manufacturer, the frames may be steel or aluminum. They should be able to stand up to the elements and last for many years.
Some of the most popular styles include twisted, knotted, and braided. They can be purchased in various sizes and come with woven panels and borders.
You can also find portable, collapsible models perfect for backyard play and practice. They are inexpensive and light, making them a great choice for kids’ games.
Generally, a strong frame is the most important factor when buying a soccer goal. It can prevent damage, help a team score more points, and increase the safety of the players.
It should also be able to withstand the weight of a goal without being broken or collapsed. A broken or crumbling goal can result in serious injuries, including head and eye trauma.
There are several ways to stabilize movable soccer goals, but the most reliable and effective is by using weights. They can be attached to the top of the goal with short, strong wire cords and chains that clip to the ground next to it.
Different types of weights can be used to support a soccer goal, and they should be checked and replaced periodically. Using the wrong weights can cause the goal to topple over, which can be dangerous for players and spectators.
Netting
The netting used for a full-size soccer goal can impact how it performs and lasts. Netting comes in different materials and styles, so choosing the right one for your needs is important.
The best type of netting is the most durable and secure. It’s also weatherproof and resistant to dirt, grass, rain, and other outdoor conditions. There are several types of netting available, including jute and coir fiber. These ropy, natural fibers make ideal landscape netting for lawns and decompose within a season.
A regulation soccer goal net is 8 feet wide and 24 feet tall. This is the standard size for professional football leagues, such as the MLS and La Liga, and women’s sports, like the NWSL and English Premier League. It’s also the recommended size for NFHS (high school) and NCAA (college) play.
Choosing the right size is critical to ensuring players have enough space to move around inside the net. This is especially important for younger children and those whose legs are not yet strong enough to support their weight.
Another consideration is the depth of the net. The deeper the net, the more room it will have to withstand kicks from both sides of the field. A full-depth soccer goal has two bars jutting back from the front crossbar and two sidebars falling toward the ground at a 45-degree angle.
Thanks to their trapezoidal side image, these goals are easy to recognize, distinct from the triangular side view created by no-depth soccer goals. There are fewer portable options for these styles of goals, but they offer an extra layer of protection against high-velocity kicks.
The goal’s frame material is also important to consider. Goals with plastic frames are often affordable and lightweight, while metal-framed goals are more expensive but can be more stable.
Many soccer goals are also available in various sizes, allowing players of all levels to use them for recreational or competitive play. Whether you’re looking for a small, portable goal to practice within your backyard or a larger, regulation-sized structure to train with at a local soccer club, a quality goal can help improve your performance this season.
Safety Standards
Most injuries and deaths from soccer goal tip-overs result from movable goals that are either unanchored or not fully secured. Even well-designed and counterbalanced goals can still topple over if not properly secured.
Several different designs reduce the risk of a movable soccer goal tipping over. One design lengthens the overall depth of the goal to place more mass further from the front posts and crossbar. Another design selects lightweight materials for the front posts and crossbar, providing much heavier materials for the rear ground bar and frame members.
This strategy helps to keep the movable soccer goal from tipping over when the players are on it. However, the most effective way to reduce the risk of a movable goal tipping over is to always anchor it in place.
Ideally, each team should have at least one person responsible for anchoring the goal. This person should verify each anchor with each move of the goal, as well as before and after each use.
Some teams may also need to use weights, chains, or locks to secure the goal firmly in place at all times. These accessories are necessary to prevent a movable soccer goal from being easily blown over in high winds.
Other methods for securing a movable soccer goal include chaining it to a strong structure near the field, such as fences or trees. Chaining the goal face-to-face can also help to prevent it from tipping over on a player.
Finally, sandbags or counterweights can prevent a movable goal from tipping over. They can be placed over the goal’s frame and then filled with water, sand, or cement to balance the goal. They are ideal for soft surfaces like artificial turf where conventional anchors are not feasible.
Maintenance
A full-size soccer goal can be a fun and exciting piece of equipment, but it also needs proper maintenance. This will help to extend its life and keep it looking great.
The most important step in maintaining a full-size soccer goal is regularly checking it for damage and repairs. This includes checking the net and the goalposts for holes, replacing hardware, and checking to make sure that all fasteners are secure.
Another key to keeping a soccer goal in tip-top shape is regular field rotation. Field rotation involves moving goals multiple times yearly to ensure that games are always played on live green grass. This prevents weed growth and deterioration of turf. It also keeps the playing surface smooth and helps to prevent injury to players.
Overseeding the field in fall and early spring can be a helpful maintenance strategy for a soccer field. Overseeding at 5 to 10 lbs seed / 1000 sq ft rates will help maintain a healthy playing surface.
If you overseed during the fall, be sure to do it early in the season when it is not as hot and dry. This will ensure that a healthy amount of moisture is maintained in the soil and grass, making it easier to control weed growth.
When it is time to assemble the goal, follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. This is especially true when it comes to tightening the hardware. Over-tightening can lead to stripped bolts, whereas under-tightening can cause loosely fitting hardware, increasing the chance of your goal breaking or wearing out prematurely.
To avoid these problems, purchasing a torque wrench or other tool is a good idea to help you assemble the goal properly. This may cost a little extra, but it will save you money and keep your soccer goal in top working condition for years to come.
Finally, store your goal in a safe place after each use. This is particularly important if used outdoors, as it can be susceptible to rain or extreme wind damage. Movable soccer goals should be anchored or chained to nearby fence posts, dugouts, or other sturdy fixtures whenever they are not in use.
