Precision for Every Academy: How to Choose the Right Soccer Goals for Your Program
, by Adam Zawati, 6 min reading time
Learn what separates true academy-grade soccer goals from standard backyard frames. From ASTM compliance to aluminum durability, discover how to equip your school or club for professional-level training.
Why “Academy Soccer Goals” Are Different
When academies talk about real goals, they’re not talking PVC.
They’re talking full-frame aluminum, built for daily training, matches, and the wear-and-tear that comes with hundreds of shots every week.
Academy soccer goals are where development meets durability — designed to handle repetition, portability, and safety all at once.
Whether you’re outfitting a school program or running a youth club, your choice in goals directly shapes how your players train.
The Standard: Aluminum Frames
There’s a reason every professional academy uses aluminum soccer goals:
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Lightweight but strong — won’t rust or warp like steel.
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Weatherproof — resists corrosion through every season.
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Portable — fits wheel kits for effortless field movement.
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Compliant — meets ASTM F2950 safety standards, protecting players and coaches.
PVC goals are great for the backyard.
Steel goals are heavy and often stationary.
But aluminum is the academy standard — the perfect blend of strength, safety, and portability.
Finding the Right Size for Your Academy
| Format | Recommended Size | Age Group | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7v7 | 12 × 6 ft | U9–U10 | Ideal for early development and small-sided games. |
| 9v9 | 21 × 7 ft | U11–U12 | Transitional stage before full-field play. |
| 11v11 | 24 × 8 ft | U13+ | Full regulation size for matches and advanced training. |
| Training | 18 × 7 ft | All | Perfect for drills, shooting sessions, and tight-space practice. |
Having all four sizes gives your academy the flexibility to train across levels — a key difference between a casual setup and a professional development program.
What Smart Buyers Look For
Before you purchase, make sure your academy goals check every box:
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✅ ASTM compliance for school and park standards
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✅ Reinforced corners and joints — no rattling or bending
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✅ Powder-coated aluminum for year-round durability
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✅ Ground anchors and safety locks to prevent tipping
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✅ Warranty and parts support — essential for longevity
These small details separate a short-term purchase from a multi-season investment.
Why Coaches and Facilities Trust Vallerta
Every Vallerta Academy Goal is crafted with professional precision and safety in mind.
From our 12×6 training frames to full 24×8 regulation goals, each unit is designed for programs that expect high-level performance and lasting value.
Our customers range from city recreation departments to private academies — coaches who refuse to compromise between affordability and professional quality.
With ASTM-compliant builds, powder-coated finishes, and quick shipping from our U.S. warehouses, Vallerta has become a trusted partner for institutions upgrading their equipment.
Final Takeaway
If your players are training for more than just the weekend match — if they’re training for excellence — you need equipment that matches that ambition.
Explore Vallerta’s Academy Soccer Goals Collection — built from the same aluminum standard trusted by top academies nationwide.
FAQ
What makes a goal “academy-grade”?
Academy goals are aluminum-framed, ASTM-compliant, and designed for intensive use at schools and training facilities — unlike backyard PVC goals.
Which goal size is best for my team?
12×6 ft for 7v7, 21×7 ft for 9v9, 24×8 ft for 11v11, and 18×7 ft for multi-purpose training.
Are Vallerta’s academy goals weather-resistant?
Yes — every Vallerta aluminum frame is powder-coated and corrosion-resistant for long-term outdoor use.
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