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DIY Soccer Goal
Make your very own soccer goal from PVC pipe for about half the price of a store-bought soccer goal! Big Brother just started his second season of soccer and we are all enjoying practicing together in the evenings (although Little Brother just wants to ride on Daddy’s shoulders).
I was amazed how simple this project actually was! The hardest part was figuring out the net situation. We’ll offer two options: A commercial net (select the 6 x 4 x 3 size) you can purchase as well as a “Hillbilly” version that is every bit as effective, but just looks a little cooky! :) Although there isn’t a huge difference in price, the hillbilly version is slightly less expensive! In total, we spent around $30-35 total on each of these goals. The final size of the DIY soccer goal is 5 x 4 x 3.
How To Make A Soccer Goal
Supplies for Your Soccer Goal:
-4 10-foot, 1-inch PVC Pipes
-PVC Primer and Glue.
–A 6 x 4 x 3 soccer net OR you can purchase some hex poultry netting at a home improvement store instead.
DIY Soccer Goal Step by Step Instructions:
1. Cut your four 10-foot pieces of PVC into (2) 5-foot sections, (2) 4-foot sections, (2) 3-foot sections, and (6) 20-inch sections.
You could even ask someone from the hardware/home improvement store to cut them for you if they aren’t busy (which is what my husband did when he had to replace a goal after a large limb fell in a storm and destroyed the original).
2. Start assembling the goal. Use the T-Joints to join (3) 20-inch pieces for the top and repeat for the bottom. Add the 5-foot pieces to create the back frame.
3. Use an elbow joint on each end of the bottom of the back frame to add the 3-foot sections. Then add the 4-foot sections for the side posts.
4. Once the goal is assembled, take it apart one piece at time and add the glue.
The purple primer goes first: Outside on the cut PVC pieces…
…and inside on the joints.
Now, you’re ready for the net!
Two Options For The Soccer Goal Net:
OPTION #1: Purchase this net (the 6 x 4 x 3 size). It’s awesome…it has bungee cords all around it and fits over the goal.
You’ll use the Velcro straps (that come with it) to secure it on the goal. If you want some extra strength, you can use some extra zip ties around the goal as well.
OPTION #2: Plastic Hex Netting from the Home Improvement Store (in our case, Lowe’s). About $12 for a roll!
…and zip ties! But make sure you get the value pack. 40 Zip ties didn’t do the job for us. :)
You’ll wrap the first layer around the base of the goal.
It will look rather box-like. You’ll need to fold inward to rest against the rear poles and secure with more zip ties.
It looks a little quirky…
…but it definitely does the trick!
That’s it! So simple! Get ready for lots of outdoor family fun!
This post was first published September 2012. Updated 2018.
Click here for more fun outdoor activities for kids…
31 Days of Outdoor Activities for Toddlers
Gross Motor Games for Preschoolers
Josh says
March 21, 2013 at 1:08 pmI ordered the net, and hope to complete the goal this weekend.
I wanted to mention that the purple primer isn’t really necessary on this sort of application, and unless you just have some on hand, no need to buy some.
Scott says
March 26, 2013 at 11:18 amWhy wouldn’t you use it? Is it expensive or just overkill. Just wondering.
Josh says
July 10, 2014 at 10:21 amThe primers are to meet building codes. Unless you are going to also use this goal to route your lawn sprinkler water, it’s not necessary.
We have used this goal for 2 seasons now; on our 2nd net from Amazon. The net works great, but if you leave it out in the sun, it’s done after a year.
We also spray painted the PVC bright orange, which turned out great.
Jenae says
July 11, 2014 at 1:57 pmThanks for sharing your experience (and the info about the primer as well)! :) So glad to know it is holding up well for you too!
Ryan says
September 30, 2017 at 4:33 pmDo you even need the glue? Thinking of being able to store it for the winter.
Jenae says
October 5, 2017 at 9:18 amYou can try it without the glue! A friend said theirs had a hard time holding up to the shots on goal without the glue…but let us know if it works for you!
Juan says
October 14, 2017 at 1:12 amI just want to say thank you foe posting this, my son and I are excited to build this in the near future, couple of soccer tournaments b4 we get to building.
God Bless you and the family
Dave says
April 1, 2013 at 10:25 amWhat size net do you need? There are three different ones that are available.
Jenae says
April 1, 2013 at 9:08 pmThe 6x4x3 net would be the one that you would need.
plastic pipe says
April 8, 2013 at 9:46 pmHi i have read your post and i think it’s usefull.Thanks for the sharing this website. it is very useful professional knowledge.
Marilee Fleming says
November 1, 2013 at 5:55 pmI found these instructions very easy to follow and I want to say thank you for posting this! My son loves it.
Jenae says
November 2, 2013 at 4:40 pmYay! So glad he is enjoying it and that you found the instructions easy to follow. Thanks for your comment!
Nellie says
August 31, 2014 at 1:22 pmI need a larger size goal, would this work if I just doubled the length of the PVC pipes? I would need large net too.
Jenae says
September 5, 2014 at 3:11 pmHmmm…not sure. If you do end up trying it, let us know how it goes! :)
Hugo says
December 1, 2015 at 2:55 pmNellie.. I think your question you can answer yourself.. If the goal is larger…the net that covers it should not be larger to?.. If you make the goal full 12ft..Use the larger diameter black PVC. it will not sag at the middle. Use it as well for the upright 6ft. posts . You can use the wimpy 3/4 for the back and at the floor. Fill all with sand. Enjoy… Messi Rules
Hugo says
December 1, 2015 at 2:49 pmGood for people to like soccer..(football). I played practice games in adult training games with a similar arrangement ..BUT, we used the black 2″ PVC because if not a hit and the 3/4 one is toast. To make either one more sturdy I would advice filling the pipes with sand . It makes them more resistant to hits and heavier so it will not go flying if the ball goes fast.
Magirl says
April 29, 2016 at 4:33 pmThank you for posting!
Aiden says
August 22, 2016 at 12:31 amThanks for the post and detailed instructions. I also have experience with PVC soccer goals as I used to train local soccer institutions. I wrote a roundup on best pvc soccer goals on my personal blog: http://www.prosoccerrebounder.net/best-pvc-soccer-goals-reviews/
Gary Stephenson says
September 25, 2016 at 5:11 pmJust built one of these goals for my son. Thanks so much for putting this on here. I’m gonna build him another one soon! Thanks, again!
Gary
Jenae says
March 7, 2017 at 8:35 amAwesome! Thanks so much, Gary!
Chris says
October 8, 2016 at 2:05 pmThank you for posting these easy to follow directions. Just built them for our preschoolers to use on the playground.
Rachel says
December 5, 2016 at 10:44 pmThe link for the net no longer works. What was the brand/seller from Amazon? Do you maybe have a new link I could follow?
Jenae says
March 7, 2017 at 8:35 amI am so sorry about that! Here is a link to the net: http://amzn.to/2lAeY3y
Lisa says
February 1, 2017 at 4:28 pmWe just finished making our goal and are very excited about it. We ordered a net and it arrived today. The problem is that we’re having trouble with the goal coming apart, even though we used primer and glue. Any helpful hints?
Jenae says
February 9, 2017 at 7:53 amHmmmm…I’m not sure. Maybe try a different type of glue?
Full-Size Soccer Goals says
March 19, 2019 at 5:19 amI just want to say thank you for posting this here.