How big is a soccer field?

Soccer field dimensions can range from 100-130 yards (90-120m) in length by 50-100 yards (45-90m) in width.

Unlike other sports, standard 11 a side soccer fields do not have fixed dimensions. The width and length of a soccer field can vary between the acceptable range specified by soccer’s world governing body, FIFA.

This provides some flexibility for clubs when choosing specific soccer field dimensions that best suit their team and venue. This can result in teams having a longer or wider soccer field.

International & World Cup soccer field dimensions

For international and World Cup soccer matches, professional soccer field dimensions must adhere to a specific set of criteria.

FIFA’s Laws of the Game stipulates that an International soccer field size is required to be between 110-120 yards (100-110m) in length by 70-80 yards (64-75m) in width for International matches.

Soccer field layout

Both recreational and pro soccer fields are divided into 2 halves, with a number of markings found on each side of the pitch to signify the different areas within a soccer field.

Here is a list of the various markings and parts of a soccer field:

Touchline

The touchline, also referred to as the sideline, is found on each side of a soccer field. These 2 long lines mark the boundary of the playing field and run the full length of the pitch.

When the ball passes either touchline, it is considered out of play. The full ball must go beyond the touchline for it to be out of play and the game will be restarted with a throw-in.

Goal line

The goal line is found at each end of the field, running the full width of the pitch.

When the ball goes beyond either of the goal lines, it is considered out of play. If the defensive team is last to touch the ball and it passes the goal line, a corner kick is awarded. On the other hand, if the ball is last touched by the attacking team, a goal kick is awarded.

Sometimes the term ‘goal-line’ is often referred to as the line that only runs between the goalposts, and the term ‘by-line’ used to refer to the part of the line that exists on either side of the goalposts. The goal line, in fact, runs the full width of the field, including between and on either side of the goalposts.

Penalty area

The penalty area is found on both sides of the field and is the only area where goalkeepers can use their hands.

Also referred to as ‘the box’ or ‘18-yard box’ because of its rectangle shape, the penalty area includes a penalty spot and the goal area. If a foul is committed on the attacking team within the penalty area, it is awarded as a penalty kick.

The dimensions of the penalty area are 18 yards (16.5m) by 44 yards (40.32m), regardless of the overall pitch size.

Penalty Spot

The penalty spot is a marking found inside the penalty area, located 12 yards (11m) from the goal.

When a penalty kick is awarded, the ball is placed on the penalty spot in preparation for the penalty taker to have a shot at goal.

Penalty arc

The penalty arc is a semicircle found on the outside edge of the penalty area.

During a penalty kick, players are not allowed to enter this area until the penalty kick has been taken.

Goal area

The goal area, also referred to as the ‘goal box’ or ‘6-yard box’, is a small box inside each penalty area.

The goal area is located near each goal and measures 6 yards (5.5m) from the goal line.

Goal kicks are taken from anywhere within this area.

Halfway line

The halfway line evenly divides 2 halves of the field. Found in the middle of the ground, it runs from one touchline to the other.

The halfway line has a spot in the center most part of the field. Both teams line up on their defensive half of the field before kickoff.

Center spot

The center spot, also known as the kick-off spot, is a marking located in the very center of the field.

It is used as the kickoff spot, where the ball is placed on the spot at the beginning of the game and to restart play after a goal.

To kickoff play, a player passes the ball from the center spot to a teammate.

Center circle

The center circle is a large circle located in the very center of the field.

It is divided in half by the halfway line and is used during a kickoff. During a kickoff, only the 2 players involved in the kickoff can be inside the center circle. All other players must be outside of this area.

The radius of the center circle measures 10 yards in diameter (9.15m).

Corner arc

There are 4 corner arcs found on a soccer field. They are marked by a quarter circle line with a radius of 1 yard (1m) inside from each corner flag. They are located in the corners of the playing field where the touchlines meet the goal lines.

Corner arcs are solely used for corner kicks during a match. When a corner kick is awarded, a player can place the ball anywhere within the corner arc.

Most players tend to place the ball right on the line of the corner arc, to create an improved angle for their corner kick. This is fine as the line is also considered part of the corner arc.

Defense

The defense is located in the defensive third of the field, closest to the team’s own goal. The defensive positions are tasked with defending their own goal and preventing the attacking team from scoring.

Midfield

The midfield area is located in the middle third of the field, found between the defense and attack. Midfielders are generally involved in most of the play, as the midfield positions provide support to both the defense and attack.

Attack

The attacking area of the field is located in the front third of the pitch, closest to the opposition’s goal. The attacking positions are tasked with scoring goals and taking the game to the opposition’s defense.

Soccer field components

In addition to the areas and markings found on a soccer field, there are a number of other components required to make up a soccer pitch.

Here is a list of these additional soccer field components:

• The goal
• Corner flag
• Technical area

The goal

The goal is located in the center of the goal line in each half of the field. It consists of two upright goal posts, a horizontal crossbar and a goal net.

A full-sized soccer goal measures 8 yards (7.32m) in width from the distance between the inside of the goal posts and 8 feet (2.44m) tall from the ground to the bottom of the crossbar.

According to FIFA, the goal frame (goal posts and crossbar) must be white in color, made of an approved material, the goal posts must be the same width of the crossbar 12cm (5 inches) and can differ in shape, ranging from a round, square, rectangular or elliptical goal frame.

The goal net is located behind the goal, attached to the goal frame and the ground. It should be secured well in place to ensure it does not come away from the goal frame or the ground, exposing gaps. The purpose of the goal net is to retain the ball when a goal is scored and help officials easily see when a goal is scored.

A goal is scored when a player puts the ball into the goal, ensuring the full ball crosses the goal line. If the ball hits the crossbar or goal posts and remains in play, it is considered play on.

Each goal is guarded by a goalkeeper, whose job is to keep the ball out of the goal by preventing the attacking team from scoring.

Corner flag

The corner flag, also referred to as flag posts, are found in each corner of the field where the touchlines meet the goal lines. Corner flags must be at least 5 feet (1.5m) tall with a non-pointed top and a flag on the end.

The four corner flags are in place to assist the officials in determining if the ball has gone out of play, beyond the touchline or the goal line. They also serve as indicators to players to be aware of the boundaries of the field.

If the ball hits the corner flag and remains in the field of play, it is considered play on.

Technical area

The technical area is a box located outside of the field of play, found in front of each team’s bench (or dugout). The technical area extends 1 yard (1m) on either side of the team’s bench and up to a distance of 1 yard (1m) from the touchline.

This area is generally occupied by coaches who can walk within the technical area and communicate to the players on the field. One person at a time is allowed to be within the technical area during a game.

Most soccer pitches also have sideline space on the outside of each touchline or space behind each goal. These spaces are used for players to warm up before being substituted into the game.

Are all soccer fields the same size?

Standard and International 11 a side soccer fields do not have fixed dimensions, therefore varying between the accepted length and width range specified by FIFA.

This provides some flexibility for soccer clubs when marking the dimensions of a soccer field and can lead to slightly larger or smaller pitch sizes.

How big is a high school soccer field?

In accordance to NFHS, U.S. high schools are encouraged to play on a soccer field measuring between 100-120 yards (91.4-109.72m) in length and between 55-80 yards ( 50.29-73.15m) in width.

The NFHS also understands that most high schools don’t have stadiums specifically built for soccer, nor do they have adequate space for a full-size FIFA approved soccer field.

In fact, many high schools’ resort to playing soccer on the football field. In these cases, NFHS stipulates that soccer goals should be at least 2 yards in front of the football goal posts.

Also, some high schools have an athletics track surrounding the field of play, resulting in limited space on the sidelines and an overall reduction to the field size.

How big is a youth soccer field?

The size of a youth soccer field is determined by age group and can vary considerably.

Playing on a different sized pitch allows kids of all ages to be able to play soccer on a field that is more proportionately suited to them, as opposed to playing on an oversized standard soccer field. Thus, allowing kids to spend more time playing with the ball as opposed to running around the field.

The number of players can also vary in youth soccer leagues, particularly in lower age groups.

Below are the different youth soccer field dimensions that apply to each age group, as specified by FIFA:

U6, U7 & U8

Kids aged 8 years and younger can play 4 v 4 (with or without a goalkeeper) or 5 v 5 soccer.

4 a side soccer field dimensions:

5 a side soccer field dimensions:

U9 & U10

Kids in this age group generally play 7 v 7 soccer.

7 a side soccer field dimensions:

U11 & U12

Kids in this age group generally play 9 v 9 soccer.

9 a side soccer field dimensions:

For age groups above U12, youth soccer progresses to 11 a side soccer played on a full-size soccer field.

5 a side soccer field

5 a side soccer field dimensions range from 32.80-38.27 yards (30-35m) in length by 21.87-27.34 yards (20-25m) in width.

Unlike other fields, 5 a side soccer fields have curved penalty areas that measure 6.5 yards (6m) from the center of the goal line. The penalty spot is also found on the 6.5-yard curved penalty area line.

These curved penalty areas are unique to a 5 a side soccer pitch and different to the traditional rectangle 18-yard penalty area found on an 11 a side soccer field.

Goal sizes are also smaller on a 5 a side soccer field, measuring 3 yards (3.66m) wide and 1.33 yards (1.22m) in height.

The center circle and halfway line are optional on a 5 a side soccer pitch.

7 a side soccer field

7 a side soccer field dimensions range from 49.21-54.68 yards (45-50m) in length by 32.80-38.27 yards (30-35m) in width.

A 7 a side soccer pitch has rectangular penalty areas that measure 18 yards (16.5m) wide by 10 yards (9m) from the goal line. The penalty spot is also found 8 yards from the goal line.

Goal sizes are also smaller on a 7 a side soccer field, measuring 3 yards (3.66m) wide and 1.99 yards (1.82m) in height.

9 a side soccer field

9 a side soccer field dimensions range from 65.61-73.27 yards (60-67m) in length by 49.21- 54.68 yards (45-50m) in width.

A 9 a side soccer pitch has rectangular penalty areas, measuring 44 yards (40.3m) wide by 18 yards (16.5m) from the goal line. The penalty spot is also found 12 yards from the goal line.

Goal sizes are also smaller on a 9 a side soccer field, measuring 5.33 yards (4.88m) wide and 2.32 yards (2.13m) in height.

FAQs:

Related posts:

• 
  How long is a soccer game?
  Learn how long a typical game of soccer is, what stoppage time is and what the most common types of stoppages are in a match, how long extra time is and penalty…Read more.
• 
  Soccer positions and roles explained
  Learn about soccer positions, including the roles of each position, where each position is located on the soccer field and examples of the common formations used… Read more.
• 
  What are the benefits of playing soccer?
  Soccer is a sport that is universally loved by people all around the world. People love soccer because of the enjoyment it brings when…Read more.