There’s an enormous variety of football goals available on the market today.
Between the numerous sizes of goal that cater for all of the various formats of the game and the many types of each size goal, choosing a replacement football net is surprisingly confusing!
Today, we’ll share some tips that’ll help you select the right football net for your goal.
Tip 1: Locate the manufacturer and model number for the goal
Most football goals manufactured by Harrod Sport will feature a safety sticker that indicates the model number for the goal itself (usually beginning “FBL”). Once armed with the model number, simply search on our website using that product code and you’ll find the recommended nets that fit that particular goal (see the goal’s product information).
Such stickers will often fade or get peeled off over time. So what happens if you don’t know the product code?
Tip 2: Check the size of the football goal!
| Format | Goal Size (Imperial) | Goal Size (Metric) |
| Senior | 24ft x 8ft | 7.32m x 2.44m |
| Junior | 21ft x 7ft | 6.44m x 2.13m |
| 9v9 | 16ft x 7ft | 4.88m x 2.13m |
| 7-a-side | 16ft x 6ft | 4.88m x 1.83m |
| Mini Soccer | 12ft x 6ft | 3.66m x 1.83m |
| Futsal | 9ft 10in x 6ft 6in | 3m x 2m |
| 5-a-side (Large) | 16ft x 4ft | 4.88m x 1.22m |
| 5-a-side (Medium) | 12ft x 4ft | 3.66m x 1.22m |
| 5-a-side (Small) | 8ft x 4ft | 2.44m x 1.22m |
This may sound ridiculously obvious, but it’s worth double checking the size of the goal – just in case.
Measure the crossbar and uprights if you’re at all unsure.
There are many, many different sizes of goal available. 5-side football goals for example are available in three different widths (2.4m, 3.6m and 4.8m wide). The difference in size between a 9v9 goal and a 7-a-side goal is quite small – so it’s easy to get caught out and buy the wrong size net.
The table lists some of the standard football goal sizes.
Tip 3: Know your net supports
Knowing which style of net you’re looking for will help enormously.
Below are some examples of net supports – you will need to know which type is fitted to your goal, otherwise you may find that the net doesn’t fit as well as it should – or worse still – not at all!
 Straight runback (no net supports) |  Continental / ‘D’ shaped net supports |  International net supports |  Box net freehanging net |
Tip 4: The thicker the better
Generally speaking, if you have the choice – go for the thickest net twine you can afford – they’ll usually vary from around 2mm to 5mm thick. Thicker twines will last longer and are much more durable. However, if the goals are located in areas prone to vandalism – you may want to buy a cheaper football net with a thinner twine.
Tip 5: What type of goal is it?
The more you know about your football goal – the easier it’ll be to find a football net to suit.
- Do the uprights sit in sockets?
- Is the goal completely freestanding and require separate anchorage?
- Is the goal self/integrally weighted (no additional anchorage required)?
- Are the uprights/crossbar constructed from steel or aluminium? (aluminium isn’t magnetic if you need to check)
- What is the diameter of the uprights and crossbar?
Once you’re armed with all of these pieces of information, you’re all set. Navigating through our extensive football net section to find your required net should be much easier!
Tip 6: Still unsure? Call us on 01858 545789
More and more frequently, football goals are being manufactured to require a specific net. Self weighted, also known as integrally weighted goals, fence folding goals and box net football goals may all require a net tailored to fit.
Don’t worry – we’re here to help!
We have many, many years of experience dealing with football posts and nets, so if you’re unsure please give us a call on 01858 545789 and we’ll be happy to help.