My son turns twelve this year and he is obsessed with soccer. He has recently started training with a local soccer club and plays games on Saturday mornings.
Soccer is growing in popularity in Australia, with the most recent participation report from Football Australia indicating that more than 1.95 million Australians play soccer each year.
What better way to practice your soccer skills than having your own portable soccer goals set up in your backyard or ready to take down to your local park or sports oval.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly what to look for in choosing the best portable soccer goals to suit your needs.
In a hurry to get out and play? Click here to see my favourite portable soccer goals in Australia
Best Portable Soccer Goals Australia 2023 Comparison Guide
Here is a comparison chart to assist you in choosing the best portable soccer goals to suit your requirements. Use this table to compare the features and sizes of each soccer goal and if you would like to read more information about a product or check the current price, click on the name of the product.
ACCURACY
CONNECTIVITY
Strong build quality
Compact storage
ACCURACY
CONNECTIVITY
Size: 182W x 122H x 61D
Material: Tension-Tite Frame
Tight-fitting lock mechanism
Optional target sheet
ACCURACY
CONNECTIVITY
Size: Five sizes available
Material: PVC
Quick setup
Lightweight and easy to carry
Small size not suitable for everyone
ACCURACY
CONNECTIVITY
Size: 76W x 76H x 30D
Material: Plastic
Compact storage
Ground stakes included
Not as easy to set up as other pop-ups
ACCURACY
CONNECTIVITY
Size: 122W x 91H x 40D
Material: Fibreglass & Alloy steel frame / Nylon net
Easy to assemble frame
Includes metal ground stakes
ACCURACY
CONNECTIVITY
Size: 182W x 121H x 61D
Material: Powder-coated steel
Easy to transport
Hi-vis net for night play
ACCURACY
CONNECTIVITY
Size: 150W x 90H x 75D
Material: Aluminium
Best Portable Soccer Goals Reviews Australia 2023
SKLZ Quickster Soccer Goal Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Style: Folding
- Material: Unique Tension-Tite poles
- Sizes: 3 sizes available
The SKLZ Quickster is a tried and tested soccer goal that has been on the market for many years. The recently released design now has solid steel brackets built into the frame to prevent an issue where the plastic brackets have been known to break.
The stand out feature of these soccer goals is the unique design that allows players to quickly and easily assemble and disassemble. The whole set-up can be put together in under a couple of minutes, which is very fast.
The SKLZ Quickster Goal is available in 3 sizes:
- 1.8m x 1.2m
- 2.4m x 1.5m
- 3.6m x 1.8m
If you’re looking for soccer goals that are easy to transport and quick to set up then the SKLZ Quickster is well worth a look.
FORZA Soccer Goal Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Style: Semi-Permanent
- Material: 2mm UV stabilised PVC
- Sizes: 5 sizes available
- Weight: ranges from 10.4kg to 13kg
If you’re looking for a strong and sturdy soccer goal suitable to set up in your backyard all year round then the FORZA brand is a great option. Constructed out of UV stabilised PVC, the FORZA goals are designed to withstand the most powerful shots and winds.
These soccer goals are classified as semi-permanent as they are not the easiest or quickest goals to set up and take down. They do have the advantage of being surprisingly light and weather resistant though, which is a big plus when it comes to mowing the lawn.
The Forza goals come in five sizes which makes them suitable for any sized backyard:
- 1.8m x 1.2m
- 2.4m x 1.2m
- 2.4m x 1.8m
- 3.0m x 2.0m
- 3.7m x 1.8m
FORZA has made a number of improvements to the design of the soccer goals in recent years particularly in relation to making assembly easier, without degrading the tightness of the fit. They are equipped with FORZA’s unique locking system that keeps all parts together very tightly. You’ll appreciate how well made and strong these are.
Another thing I like about the FORZA brand is that they also make Soccer Goal Target Sheets for each of the goal sizes. These sheets are designed with a series of reinforced holes for shooting accuracy practice. They’re an awesome addition that easily attaches to the front of the goals with bungee chords.
SKLZ Pop-Up Soccer Goal Set Review
Rating: 4.0
Specifications:
- Style: Pop-up
- Material: Plastic frame
- Size (cm): 76W x 76H x 30D
- Weight: 1.04kg
If you have a small yard or would like to set up an indoor soccer game the SKLZ pop-up soccer goal set is a great option. These goals are very much on the compact size but are very convenient to get set up and playing.
The set includes two soccer goals with a carrying case and plastic ground stakes that are attached to three points on the goal (never lose the stakes again!). Packing up the goals can take a bit of practice to get used to as they require a twisting/folding motion while packing them into the case (much easier with two people)
So if you’re limited on space or just need a super portable goal set, check out the SKLZ pop-up goals.
Franklin Sports Portable Soccer Goal Review
Rating: 4.0
Specifications:
- Style: Pop-up
- Material: Fibreglass / alloy steel frame. Nylon net.
- Size (cm): 122W x 91H x 40D
- Weight: 1.24kg
If you are looking for a soccer goal for an affordable price that is easy to transport but a decent size for kids and adults, then the Franklin Sports Blackhawk pop up goal fits the bill.
Measuring 122 centimetres wide these goals are compact enough to move around easily but large enough to provide a good target to aim at. This particular product is sold as a single goal but includes a carry case and metal ground stakes to secure it.
The Franklin pop-up goal is a value for money option if you’re looking for a portable soccer goal that you can use indoors or outdoors.
Franklin Sports Soccer Rebound Net Review
Rating: 4.0
Specifications:
- Style: Rebounder
- Material: Heavy duty powder coated steel
- Size: 182W x 121H x 61D
- Weight: 9.07 kg
If you or your child tend to practice solo then a soccer rebounder can be a great option to improve your shooting skills without having to chase down every ball. A rebounder returns the ball to your feet after every kick.
One of the standout features of the Franklin Sports rebounder for training is that the net can be adjusted back from about 90 degrees to provide different ball return options. This allows the net to be adjusted to suit training in smaller backyards and also being able to practice returning shots in the air.
The frame of the rebounder is made of good quality steel tubing and joins together with locking pins. The net can take a bit of effort to attach to the frame given the high tension needed for the net, but once you get set up this is a solid and sturdy option suitable for all levels of training.
SUMMIT Aluminium Folding Soccer Goal Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Style: Folding
- Material: Heavy duty powder coated aluminium
- Size: 150W x 90H x 75D
- Weight: 9.07 kg
If you are serious about your soccer training then you need a serious soccer goal. The SUMMIT aluminium soccer goal is one of the most heavy-duty options for sale in Australia.
These goals are designed for amateur and professional players alike and can be seen on many club pitches around the country. The standout feature of these goals is the quick folding design that can be set up and ready to go in a matter of seconds (yes, you read that right!)
Another great feature is the fluorescent orange netting which is designed to stand out in all lighting conditions. This makes the soccer goals suitable for both day and night training sessions or matches. For easy cleaning or replacement, the net is attached with removable velcro.
The SUMMIT aluminium goal is more expensive than other portable models on the market, but you get a professional standard product that will stand up to serious stikes for years to come.
How to Choose the Right Size Soccer Goal for your Backyard: Buyers Guide
There are two main factors to consider when choosing a soccer goal: Size and Type. Of course, cost and quality come into the equation too. This buyers guide is going to cover several types of soccer goals including popup soccer goals two main types of soccer goals are available on the market.
Training Goals
Training soccer goals are extremely lightweight and portable and are easy to set up and play almost anywhere. They are designed to pick up and take with you to the park, oval or even for warming up on the sidelines before a game. Training goals include styles such as pop-up goals that generally come with a bag or carry case; and folding style goals that are normally larger and more sturdy but still quick to set up.
Rebounder
Soccer rebounders generally have the frame of a normal soccer goal but are designed to return the ball to the player at a height that can be controlled by the angle that the net is set to. Rebounders are great for allowing players to practice their shooting skills including accuracy, power, speed and placement. These goals come in all different shapes and sizes and are suitable for individual practice or team drills.
Semi-Permanent
If you have a backyard that you’re happy to leave the soccer goals set up most of the time then a semi-permanent style is a good choice. These goals give the player a chance to practice with a propper game sized goal. Semi-permanent goals are sometimes classified as having ground sleeves installed into the ground to secure them, but also describe any goal that stays up most of the time. Some semi-permanent style goals, like the FORZA PVC design, are also lightweight and easy to move when mowing the lawn.
Soccer Goal Sizes
It’s important to know the official soccer goal sizes for your child’s age group if you are purchasing one for the backyard with the intent of them practising for their matches. Here are the official goal sizes for Australia:
| AGE | GOAL SIZE |
|---|---|
| Under 6 & 7 | 2m wide x 1m high |
| Under 8 & 9 | 3m wide x 2m high |
| Under 10 & 11 | 5m wide x 2m high |
| Adult | 7.32m wide x 2.44m high |
| Futsal | 3m wide x 2m high |
These official sizes may be helpful to guide you in choosing an age-appropriate goal for your backyard. In saying that, it is worth remembering that having a smaller goal is not necessarily a bad thing, considering many soccer clubs deliberately practice with small pop-up goals to improve kicking accuracy.
The other consideration is of course the size of your backyard. There is clearly no point buying a large goal when you have a small backyard.
What Goal Style is Best of my Backyard?
The type of soccer goal that you choose for your backyard mainly depends on whether you want it to be semi-permanent (stays set up all or most of the time) or you want to pack it up completely when you’re finished.
Other considerations include thinking about whether you want to be able to carry the soccer goals for long distances (like a walk to the sports ground) or if you plan on transporting the goals in a vehicle. For my son, we went all out and invested in a set of pop-up goals to take with us to practice at a nearby oval and also bought a semi-permanent goal that stays set up year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much do Pop Up Soccer Goals Cost in Australia?
You can find a decent pop-up soccer goal in the price range of $40 to $100. At this level, the goals will be made out of a range of cheaper materials including plastic and thin steel.
If you’re looking for a better quality soccer goal that can withstand harder kicks then you should expect to pay in the $150 to $300 price range. These goals tend to be made from reinforced materials such as hardened PVC, thicker steel and aluminium products.
What Size Soccer Goal Should I Buy?
If you are planning on training to increase your shot accuracy then choosing a smaller sized goal can be helpful.
For children that are learning to play soccer, it can help them to get used to the game by choosing the size soccer goal that they are using at their age level. Check out the handy list above for soccer goal sizes in Australia.
What is a Full Size Soccer Goal?
An adult-sized soccer goal is 7.32m wide x 2.44m high.
