Building a Backyard Soccer Field
Average Rating
Rate This Article
Most Popular Landscaping and Land Preparation Cities
Related Articles
Decks & Patios Roofing Siding Above-Ground Swimming Pool vs In-Ground Swimming Pool Backyard Grading, Leveling and Flood Prevention Tips Backyard Landscaping Trends Building an Outdoor Kitchen Building a Pergola: Types, Uses and Costs Building a Rain Garden Building a Stone Walkway or Path Building Your Own Rooftop Garden Chicago: Backyard Ice Rinks All the Rage Choosing a Hot Tub: One-Piece vs Wooden Staved Composite Decks: A Closer Look Dream Decks: New Survey Reveals Home Owners' Ultimate Deck Ideas 8 Dramatic Backyard Lighting Tips Fences 5 Fun Backyard Winter Landscaping Tips Green Gutters Gutter Installation and Repair A History of Rooftop Gardens Holiday Helpers: Get Your Decorations and Light Display Professionally Installed How to Build a Backyard Fire Pit How to Winterize Your Roof Indoor Gardening Tips and Trends Installing a Backyard Batting Cage Installing & Cleaning Gutters: Dangers of DIY New Trends in Home Greenhouses Modular Tile Courts Take Backyard Sports to a New Level NiceRink: Backyard Ice Rink Installation Resealing Asphalt Driveways Seasonal Landscaping Solar Panel Installation & Info Some Helpful Tips for Installing a Basketball Hoop Tips for a Springtime Garden Makeover Tips for an Eco-Friendly Swimming Pool or Hot Tub 5 Fall Home Improvement Projects 5 Spring Home Improvement Projects 5 Summer Home Improvement Projects 5 Winter Home Improvement Projects Top 5 Deck Building Materials Top 5 Driveway Materials Top 5 Types of Gutters for Your Home Top 10 Advantages of Stucco Your Own Backyard GazeboSoccer is among the most popular of youth sports today. Even if no one in the family is in a league, there is nothing like a game of pick up soccer to bring friends and family together. Best of all, a backyard soccer field will not disrupt the space too much. It’s there when you want to play, and it doesn’t really interfere with your barbeque plans, either.
The Field
For your backyard, it might be unrealistic to expect to fit a full, regulation sized playing field, which is about 100 yards long and 60 yards wide. The amount of space that you have will end up dictating the size of the field. What you can do is make the proportions accurate. Here are some other numbers to keep in mind: The goalie box is generally 20 yards long and 6 yards wide, while the surrounding penalty box is 44 yards wide and 18 yards long. Finally, at the center of the field is a circle of 10 yards where kickoff begins. With some quick math, you can determine how to best fit all of the proper field elements into the field size you have pre-determined. For the more serious minded soccer mom or dad, you can also bring in the help of a local landscaping contractor to work out the dimensions and clear backyard space accordingly.
After determining which space you will designate for the field, you or your contractor can remove any objects, such as large rocks, shrubs, or trees, that may be impeding the field of play. This will make for a much safer playing experience. Keeping the grass neatly mowed will also enhance the aesthetic appeal and safety of your field. Typically, the grass on a soccer field is between an inch and an inch and a half high.
The Goals
If you are a minimalist, a couple of goals is all that you really need to get started. While a couple of cones, or another type of marker might suffice, a real goal will help to make the experience of playing feel more authentic. A goal is, after all, more than width. If you are lacking the top dimension, it can be difficult to determine when a true point has been scored. Aside from reducing the bickering that might ensue over an unclear kick, a real goal will also reduce the amount of ball chasing required of you.
Make Your Own Soccer Goal
You can purchase goals online or at a sporting goods store. But if you want to keep the goals in proportion with the rest of your field, it might be a better idea to simply build your own. Durable PVC pipe works well as a base, because it will not rust or rot when exposed to the elements. This lightweight material is also easy to handle, and you can cut it down to any size you desire. Once the pipes have been cut, it is a good idea to sand the sharp edges down. Connect the sections of pipe with some elbow pieces. You can choose to cement the pieces together, or leave them unglued, so that you may unassembled them later. Then, all you need to do is find some netting and attach it using string or zip ties.
Play a Game
Once all of the elements of your field are set, the next step is to assemble your teams and commence play. All you really need is a soccer ball and some sneakers, but keep in mind that shin guards and cleats will make for a safer game.
Want to get a free on-site estimate on a backyard soccer field project from a licensed landscaping professional? Contact Signature Contractors today and will arrange your consultation at a time to your convenience!
--Kate Blair
