Every now and then, you watch soccer on TV and see statistics. Some of them show you the players with the highest mileage over a match. It sounds surprising to see some players easily getting up to 10 miles in a single game. At this point, you probably ask yourself – how big is a soccer field?
The same question arises if you actually step foot on a soccer field. Whether you visit your favorite club’s home field or you take a tour, you look into the distance from one goal to another and the distance is impressive. The goal is just as big. So, how big is a soccer field after all?
How Big Is A Soccer Field?
Generally speaking, in terms of professional soccer, the soccer field needs to follow some rules established by various associations. Most of these rules are quite forgiving and give clubs a decent range, so there might be small differences from one field to another.
In length, the soccer field should be anywhere between 100 and 130 yards. On the same note, it should be between 50 and 100 yards in width. These rules apply for league games, championships, cups and friendlies. When it comes to international games, rules change a little.
Now, the International Football Association Board is responsible for the rules of soccer. When it comes to the soccer field, it is imperative to be rectangular. Based on the size requirements, it could be square as well – however, it must be rectangular.
Other than that, in terms of markings, the field must be marked with continuous lines. Therefore, even if the actual field is a bit bigger, it can change based on how the lines are marked. In international games, chances are the markings will be updated based on the requirements.
Different associations come with different rules for internal leagues, such as cups and championships, despite following the same international rules. For example, rules in the Bundesliga (the main league in Germany) require the field to be between 110 and 115 yards in length and 70 to 74 yards in width.
To help you get a better idea of the average rules for soccer games, here is a better explanation:
- Length – 100-130 yards – 300-390 feet – 0.02-0.26 acres – 91-118 meters
- Width – 50-100 yards – 150-300 feet – 0.01-0.02 acres – 45-91 meters
How Big Is A Professional Soccer Field For International Games?
Now, how big is a professional soccer field when it comes to international games? While each league has the opportunity to set some standards for internal games, it is obvious that different clubs have differently sized soccer fields.
However, the field is marked with continuous white lines. In international games, rules are a bit stricter, but there is also a bit of forgiveness involved. Since the lines are drawn to determine the field sides, they can be redrawn to match international requirements.
The maximum length of a soccer field for international games is 130 yards – about 120 meters. The minimum length is 100 yards – 90 meters. In other words, slight variations are acceptable, but within these limits.
Similar rules apply to the width as well. While small changes can be done, it is imperative to stick to these measurements. The maximum width for an international game must not exceed 100 yards – 90 meters, while the minimum width is only 50 yards – 45 meters.
When analyzing a soccer field for international games, officials will measure it from outside the lines. The lines are considered to be part of the area they surround. The touch line should be longer than the target line as well.
Youth Soccer Field Dimensions
The youth soccer field dimensions are a bit different and for some obvious reasons. Youth players do not have the stamina, experience and strength to complete a game if the field is too large. This is why the soccer game duration is often lower as well. It normally depends on the group’s age category.
For example, young players aged six or less will not be able to go over long distances due to the lack of energy. In such cases, the youth soccer field dimensions are clearly smaller. The field is about 25 to 30 yards in length and 15 to 20 yards in width.
Now, players aged between six and eight will have a slightly larger field. The team numbers may also be lower, hence the necessity of a smaller field. In this case, the field will measure 30 to 40 yards in length and 20 to 25 yards in width.
As players get older, they will move on to larger fields. Kids aged 10 or less will play on fields measuring 60 to 70 yards in length and 40 to 50 yards in width. In other words, they are getting closer to official numbers for professionals.
Those under 12 years old will play on fields between 85×100 yards in length and 40 to 55 yards in width. Simply put, they might as well play on a professional field if it matches these dimensions – and many fields do match them.
Last, but not least, kids aged 14 years old or older will play on fields measuring 110 to 120 yards in length and 70 to 80 yards in width. As for older teenagers, they will most commonly play on official fields for professionals.
Youth soccer field dimensions are directly proportional with the age of the players – or better said, the category. Kids are not as strong and energetic as adults. A large pitch means some players will barely touch the ball and develop. If the pitch is small, they have more opportunities and train better.
Indoor Soccer Field Dimensions
Indoor soccer field dimensions are different from outdoor soccer field dimensions and for some good reasons. First of all, it is hard to have a hall the size of an actual soccer field. Second, indoor soccer requires less players, so they obviously require smaller fields or they will be drained within minutes only.
Just like in outdoor soccer, different countries or associations have different requirements for their fields. But then, there is always some forgiveness and small changes are always accepted – of course, within the rules.
In the USA, an indoor soccer field should not exceed 210 feet in length – maximum 70 yards. On the same note, it should not be less than 175 feet – 58 yards. As for the width, it must be between 75 and 100 feet – 25 and 33 yards.
While not a general rule – but just a recommendation, the association recommends indoor soccer field dimensions to be 85×200 feet – 28×66 yards.
Markings On A Soccer Field
Markers are used on the soccer field to control the game and determine the position of players and the ball. The field must be rectangular – no other shapes are accepted. This is not everything though – other than that, the field must be safe and should be marked with continuous lines.
Artificial surfaces are also accepted, apart from natural grass. However, there are some conditions – these surfaces should not be hazardous or pose any risks to players. A lot of soccer fields – mostly indoor fields – rely on the so-called astroturf.
The midfield line is also continuous and its middle must be marked. There is a circle around it that should measure about 10 yards in diameter. This is where each half starts – as well as each team after conceding a goal.
All lines on the field – including the ones around the goals, sides and middle lines – must be done in the same width. There is a very strict rule about them – five inches specifically. On the same note, the goal lines must be the same width as the goalposts.
Apart from all these markings, you will also notice flagpoles. They often seem irrelevant, yet they can actually influence the game at times. If the ball hits a flagpole at the right angle and with a low speed, it will most likely be prevented from leaving the field.
Now, what do these flagpoles actually mean? In soccer, a corner flag should be located at each corner – four flagpoles altogether. They need to be five feet tall or taller and they should be soft and not pointy – just a matter of health and safety.
Conclusion
As a short final conclusion, how big is a soccer field? The answer is quite general and depends on a few different factors. It depends on the club and the available space, but also the association’s requirements for the respective game.
Most games in the same league, cup or championship will have similar requirements, which leave a lot of room for differences. However, international rules are a bit stricter, yet there is still a good range for organizers to avoid problems.
While not always obvious, the difference between different leagues can sometimes be observed as you watch games on TV. If you pay attention, you will notice that soccer fields in America tend to be wider than soccer fields in Europe, but not necessarily longer.