Updated October 29, 2026 · 7 min read
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Short on time? Our picks
Best overallQuick-Setup Steel Goal4.6★, 4,000+Check price on Amazon →
Most popularBlackhawk Pop-Up Goal4.4★, 16,000+Check price on Amazon →Franklin soccer goals · 2026
Pop-up for small kids, steel for goals that last
Franklin sells two of the most popular backyard soccer goals on Amazon: the Blackhawk pop-up goal (16,000+ ratings) and the Quick-Setup Steel goal (4.6★, 4,000+). They suit different families. This guide covers sizes like 4×3, 6×4 and 12×6, what buyers say, and which Franklin goal to buy.
- Best overallQuick-Setup Steel Goal · 4.6★, 4,000+
- Most popularBlackhawk Pop-Up Goal · 4.4★, 16,000+
- ToddlersKids Goal with Ball and Pump · 4.4★, 5,400+, 24×16″
- Alt pickGoSports Portable Goal · 4.6★, 1,200+
Soccer goal sizes explained
| Size (W × H) | Ages | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 24″ × 16″ | 2–5 | Toddler play, indoors |
| 4′ × 3′ | 4–8 | Small-sided games, U6–U8 |
| 6′ × 4′ | 6–10 | U8–U10 games, backyard |
| 12′ × 6′ | 8–12 | U10–U12 small-sided |
| 18.5′ × 6.5′ | 11–14 | U13–U14 (9v9) |
| 24′ × 8′ | 14+ | Full-size, high school and adult |
US Youth Soccer sets small-sided goal sizes by age group; leagues vary, so check your club’s rules. For backyard play, smaller goals are better for building accuracy.
The best Franklin soccer goals
Franklin Quick-Setup Steel Soccer Goal
You need this if: you want a goal that stays up in the yard and lasts.
- FrameSteel
- SetupQuick-setup design
- UseBackyard games and practice
- Rating4.6★ (4,000+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: The highest-rated Franklin goal with real review numbers. Steel holds up to hard shots and weather better than fiberglass pop-ups.
Keep in mind: Heavier and less portable than a pop-up. Check the size menu before ordering.
Franklin Blackhawk Pop-Up Soccer Goal
You need this if: you want a light goal that folds flat and travels to practice.
- FrameFiberglass pop-up
- Sizes4′ × 3′ and other sizes
- ExtrasGround stakes, carry bag
- Rating4.4★ (16,000+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: The most-reviewed Franklin goal. Buyers love that it is child-friendly (323 mentions), the right size (185) and great for backyard use (128).
Keep in mind: Durability is the top complaint (863 mentions), and assembly and folding are mixed. Treat it as a light-use goal.
Franklin Kids Soccer Goal with Ball and Pump
You need this if: your child is 2 to 5 and just starting to kick.
- Size24″ × 16″
- IncludesBall and pump
- UseIndoor and outdoor
- Rating4.4★ (5,400+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: A tiny pop-up goal that fits in a living room, with everything included.
Keep in mind: Small and light; it will be outgrown quickly.
GoSports Portable Soccer Goal
You need this if: you want a pop-up in many colors and two sizes.
- Sizes4′ × 3′ or 6′ × 4′
- Colors13 options
- UseBackyard and practice
- Rating4.6★ (1,200+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: A higher-rated pop-up alternative if Blackhawk durability worries you.
Keep in mind: Not a Franklin product; fewer reviews.
Pop-up vs steel: which is right for you?
| Pop-up (Blackhawk) | Steel (Quick-Setup) | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Very light | Heavier |
| Portability | Folds flat, carry bag | Stays in the yard |
| Durability | Light use | Much tougher |
| Best for | Young kids, travel to practice | Older kids, hard shots, all season |
| Main complaint | Durability | Less portable |
What buyers say about the Blackhawk
With 16,000+ ratings, the Blackhawk tells a clear story. Kids love it, the size is right and it is great in the yard. But durability is a strong negative (863 mentions), mainly about poles snapping or the frame wearing after heavy use, and assembly and folding split buyers. Our advice: buy it for young kids and light play, stake it down, and don’t leave it out in the wind.
Franklin soccer goal by age
| Age | Goal size | Franklin pick |
|---|---|---|
| 2–4 | 24″ × 16″ | Kids Goal with Ball and Pump |
| 4–6 | 4′ × 3′ | Blackhawk pop-up |
| 6–9 | 4′ × 3′ or 6′ × 4′ | Blackhawk or Quick-Setup Steel |
| 9–12 | 6′ × 4′ or larger | Quick-Setup Steel |
| 12+ | Bigger steel or aluminum goals | Look beyond backyard goals |
How to set up a backyard soccer goal
- Pick a flat spot away from windows, fences and flower beds.
- Put the goal with its back to a fence or hedge so balls don’t roll far.
- Stake it down. Pop-ups blow over in wind, and steel goals can tip if kids hang on them.
- Mark a penalty spot with a cone or chalk about 6 to 12 feet out, based on age.
- Bring pop-ups inside after play to extend their life.
Goal safety
Soccer goals can tip over if children climb or hang on them, which is a real injury risk. Always anchor goals with the included stakes or sandbags, never let kids climb the frame or swing on the crossbar, and check the frame for cracks before each use. This matters most for heavier steel goals.
Backyard drills with one goal
- Corner targets: tie ribbons in the top corners and aim for them.
- One-touch shooting: a partner rolls the ball; shoot without stopping it.
- Dribble and finish: weave through cones, then shoot.
- Weak foot only: score only with the weaker foot.
- Goalie wars: two players take turns shooting and saving.
Two goals or one?
For real backyard games, two small goals make a big difference: kids can play 1v1 or 2v2 with a goal at each end. Franklin sells many goals singly, so buy two of the same size, or pick a two-pack from another brand. For solo shooting practice, one goal plus a rebounder or a wall works well.
Making a pop-up goal last
- Don’t leave it set up in strong wind or sun.
- Fold it carefully, following the twist pattern; forcing it is the most common way poles snap.
- Keep it in the carry bag between uses.
- Avoid hard shots from close range with heavy balls; pop-ups are made for young kids.
Our bottom line
The Franklin Quick-Setup Steel goal is the better long-term buy, with a 4.6★ rating and a frame that handles real shots. The Blackhawk pop-up is the most popular for a reason: it is light, portable and kids love it. Just treat it as a light-use goal, because durability is its weak point. For toddlers, the small Kids Goal with Ball and Pump is the easiest start.
Soccer balls to go with your goal
Match the ball to the player’s age: size 3 for ages about 8 and under, size 4 for ages 8 to 12, and size 5 for ages 12 and up. A ball that is too big or heavy makes kicking and shooting harder for young kids. See our soccer ball size by age chart.
Indoor soccer goals
On rainy days, the small 24″ × 16″ Franklin Kids Goal works well indoors with a soft or foam ball. Pop-ups like the Blackhawk can also go in a basement or garage. Avoid steel goals indoors; they are heavy and can mark floors. Use a soft ball to protect walls and lights.
Franklin goal assembly tips
Assembly is a mixed topic for the Blackhawk (561 mentions). The pop-up opens on its own when you unwrap it, but folding it back takes a twisting motion that many people find tricky at first. Practice once indoors before taking it to the field, and watch the folding demo from Franklin if you get stuck. The steel goal uses slot-together tubes; lay out the parts first and assemble on soft grass so pieces don’t scratch.
Who should buy which goal?
- Parents of 2- to 5-year-olds: Kids Goal with Ball and Pump.
- Parents of 4- to 8-year-olds who travel to practice: Blackhawk pop-up.
- Families wanting a goal that lives in the yard: Quick-Setup Steel.
- Worried about pop-up durability: GoSports or the steel goal.
Why Franklin goals are so popular
Franklin has two goals in the top 15 of Amazon’s soccer field equipment best sellers, and the Blackhawk is one of the most-reviewed backyard goals of any brand. The appeal is simple: low prices, easy setup and sizes that fit small yards and young kids. Franklin has made youth sports gear since 1946, and its soccer goals are designed for families rather than clubs. That makes them a great fit for backyards, but clubs and older teams usually need heavier aluminum goals.
Gift tip
A small Franklin goal plus a size 3 ball makes a great birthday gift for a young soccer fan. For a bigger gift, pair two Blackhawk goals for real backyard games.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
What size soccer goal for a 6-year-old?
Usually 4′ × 3′ or 6′ × 4′.
How do you fold a Franklin Blackhawk goal?
Follow the twist-fold steps in the instructions; it takes a little practice. Many buyers find a video helpful the first time.
Can a pop-up goal stay outside?
It can, but sun and wind shorten its life. Stake it down and bring it in when not in use.
Is the Franklin steel goal heavy?
Heavier than a pop-up, but it can still be moved by an adult.
What size goal for U10?
Many leagues use 6′ × 4′ or larger for U9–U10 small-sided games. Check your league.
How we chose
We used Amazon’s Best Sellers list for soccer field equipment, ratings and review topics as of October 2026. We did not test these goals ourselves. For all brands, see our best pop-up soccer goals guide.
We research sports gear for players, coaches and sports parents. We compare specs, read verified buyer reviews and name one clear pick for each kind of player. How we pick · Affiliate disclosure
