Choosing the wrong size garden football goal is one of the most common — and most avoidable — mistakes a football family can make. Too small and the goal feels like a toy inside three months. Too large and it dominates the garden with no room to take a proper shot. Getting the size right matters, and this guide will help you do exactly that.
Step 1: Measure your garden first
Before you look at any product, go outside and measure your available garden space. You need two numbers: the width available for the goal frame, and the depth available in front of it — how far back a player can stand to shoot.
For Open Goaaal, the footprint measurement refers to the total width and depth of the complete frame including the rebounder and backstop. This is the space the unit occupies. You'll need additional clearance in front of the goal for the player to stand and shoot — typically 3–5 metres minimum.
One important advantage: because Open Goaaal includes an integrated backstop net, you don't need any clear space behind the goal. The backstop catches everything that goes over or around the frame. With a standard goal (no backstop), you'd need several extra metres of clearance behind it to stop overshots leaving the garden.
Step 2: Match your garden to the right Open Goaaal size
| Model | Goal size (W × H) | Total footprint | Recommended age | Minimum garden size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 2.4m × 1.4m | 4.8m × 4.8m | Ages 5–9 | 6m × 7m |
| Standard | 2.7m × 1.6m | 6.6m × 6.6m (adj.) | Ages 8–14 | 8m × 9m |
| Large | 4.8m × 2.1m | 8.7m × 8.7m (adj.) | Ages 10+ | 10m × 12m |
| Regulation | 7.3m × 2.4m | 11.3m × 11.3m (adj.) | Adults / teams | 14m × 14m |
All measurements in metres. Minimum garden size includes space to stand and shoot in front of the goal. Verify exact dimensions on our size comparison page.
Step 3: Consider the player's age
Garden size determines what fits; player age determines what's appropriate. A child who is too small for a large goal will struggle to reach the crossbar, find the goal overwhelming, and lose confidence quickly. A teenager shooting at a Junior goal will find it unsatisfying inside a week.
As a general guide:
- Ages 5–9: Junior. The lower crossbar height (1.4m) and narrower width (2.4m) are correctly scaled for young players learning the game.
- Ages 8–14: Standard. The most popular size for primary and secondary school age players. The 2.7m × 1.6m goal feels like a proper goal to aim at.
- Ages 10 and above: Large. For stronger players who shoot hard and want a proper challenge. The 4.8m wide goal requires real accuracy to score.
- Adults and older teens: Regulation. At 7.3m × 2.4m this is a proper full-size goal — as used in adult matches. Requires a large garden.
If your child is between sizes — or you want a goal that will still be right in three years' time — go up a size. Players grow into bigger goals; they grow out of smaller ones.
The space-saving advantage of the 3-in-1
Most families comparing garden football goals don't realise that buying a goal and a rebounder separately typically requires more total garden space than buying an integrated system like Open Goaaal.
Here's why: a standalone rebounder needs its own footprint, positioned separately from the goal. And without a backstop, you need clearance behind the goal for overshots. With Open Goaaal, everything is within the same frame footprint. The rebounder is built in. The backstop is built in. You need one space, not two — and no clearance behind the goal.
Still not sure? Use the size comparison page
Our dedicated size comparison page shows all four Open Goaaal models side by side, with precise measurements and visual guides. If you're between sizes, it will make the decision clear. Compare the sizes here.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best football goal size for a small garden?
For small gardens, the Open Goaaal Junior is the best choice. With a total footprint of 4.8m × 4.8m and a minimum garden requirement of 6m × 7m (including shooting space), it's one of the most compact complete football training systems available. The integrated backstop means no additional clearance is needed behind the goal, which saves significant space compared to a standard goal setup.
What age is the Open Goaaal Junior suitable for?
The Open Goaaal Junior is designed for players aged approximately 5 to 9 years. Its goal dimensions (2.4m wide × 1.4m high) are correctly scaled for younger players, matching the goal sizes used in grassroots youth football for this age group. It can also be used by older children in very small gardens where a larger model wouldn't fit.
How much space do I need for an Open Goaaal Standard?
The Open Goaaal Standard has a total footprint of approximately 6.6m × 6.6m (adjustable). We recommend a minimum garden space of 8m × 9m to allow comfortable shooting distance in front of the goal. Because the integrated backstop catches overshots, no additional space is required behind the frame.
Can I use a full-size football goal in my garden?
The Open Goaaal Regulation model (7.3m × 2.4m) is a full-size goal suitable for adult play. It requires a minimum garden space of around 14m × 14m. For most domestic gardens, the Large model (4.8m × 2.1m) offers a more practical size while still providing a proper challenge for older children and adults.
Comparing football goals? See how Open Goaaal compares to FORZA — the UK’s most popular alternative — and find out what makes the 3-in-1 design unique.
