Turning Your Backyard into a Soccer Field

A soccer field also requires substantial space, but its construction isn’t quite as detailed as a football field’s construction. Rectangular in shape, a backyard soccer field requires flat ground and two goalposts. To create your field, follow these tips:

Size

Ideally, you should not install a soccer field that’s any smaller than 15 yards by 20 yards. The optimum size soccer field for pros is 75 yards by 120 yards. You can create a field anywhere in between those dimensions. This link will provide you with recommendations for field size based on the ages of your players.

Level the Field

Once you have measured the area for your space, you’ll want to clear it of any roots and rocks. You should level the field to help prevent injuries for your players. They’ll be focused on the soccer ball and not likely to be examining the ground. 

Plant Grass or Turf

Natural grass tends to be the preferred ground cover for soccer as it’s associated with fewer injuries and better-ball play. Balls can take more ‘unnatural’ bounces on the turf. In Europe, for instance, professional fields are covered with natural grass. Also, turf encourages faster gameplay, which may or may not be preferred for your players.

On the other hand, turf fields are easier to maintain. They’re also less likely to be impeded by inclement weather. If you’ve had heavy rains, turf fields will not have the same drainage problems that natural grass fields are likely to have. If you are not opposed to irrigating your field, mowing, reseeding, and filling in holes as needed, you might opt for grass. 

Mark the Field and Add Goals

You’ll need to use turf paint to mark all the lines of your soccer field. Once you mark the end zones, you can add your goals. Use a tape measure to mark your centerline. You can also create a circle in the center part of that line for your game ball drop. 

Accessories

There are many different styles of goalposts you can choose from. The official size goal post should measure 8 feet x 24 feet. However, you’ll find different-sized goals that are commercially available. If you plan to enjoy soccer games during the evening, consider installing outdoor lighting. You might also want to fence the field to ensure that the ball isn’t kicked into neighboring yards.

Maintenance

Maintaining your soccer field depends on the type of ground cover you have. As mentioned, maintaining natural grass will require more work, including regular mowing, fertilization, reseeding, aeration, and possibly treating pests and weeds. Turf requires debris removal to keep it clean. You may want to water it on hot days to keep it cool. You should add infill to areas prone to becoming worn down, such as around the goalposts.

Now you are all set to start enjoying your field, practice your moves and have fun with your friends. Check out this interesting article with everything you need to know about 5-a-side football!

Rocio is a content writer at Porch. She is a mother of two and is passionate about wellness, fitness, sustainability, a pet lover, and a true believer in the power of positive affirmations. Her hobbies are reading, writing, and cooking. More from Rocio