7 best portable football goals

Whether you’re a hat trick hero or soccer parent, no back garden is complete without a portable goal

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With the world cup well on it's way now, and the FA cup final looming large in May, 2018 is set to be a summer of football. If you’re sick of watching it and want to get your boots on, or if you’re already an established club player or even if you’re just a soccer parent, the diverse choices available for portable goals has never been more abundant – or potentially confusing.

Whether it’s for the park, the garden or the beach, if you’re a budding Mo Salah you’ll need a net to shoot at and if you’re a wannabe Joe Hart, you’ll need more than cones to defend. While there are plenty of options for portable goals, where you’ll be playing, how many you have on the team, how much space you have and what skills you want to finesse will all help you decide which goal you want to buy.

After reading this, all you’ll need are some mates, your shin pads and some passion for the beautiful game…

Bazooka Goal: £105.43, Bazooka Goal

Claiming to be the world’s first solid frame pop up goal, the net zips and the wheels at the front post make it portable once it’s been constructed. It folds into itself too which means there’s no bag to carry or lose and telescopic poles make construction easy peasy. There are no pegs, which on construction seemed like it’d move with impact if a stray ball hit the crossbar or post, but the flexible frame absorbs even the toughest strike and impact while still staying put. It’s a favourite of clubs including Liverpool, Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal who all use the Bazooka at their academies with Martin Davis from the Arsenal Academy calling it ‘very robust’. So if it’s good enough for them…

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SKLZ Quickster Portable Soccer Goal: £45.52, Amazon

While there are different parts to this and a slightly trickier assembly process, the fact an elastic rope sits inside the poles makes them easy to assemble in the right order. It’s quick to take down making it ideal for summer tournaments for kids. Available in three sizes; 6x4, 8x5 and 12x6 it’s suitable for different age ranges, but those with a harder shot might have to take it easy because the top poles can shrink down into the bottom ones if the post is hit repeatedly.

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FORZA Soccer Goal: From £38.99, Amazon

With a choice of five sizes from a mini target goal at 3x2.5 all the way up to a 12x6 model, the durable PVC construction means that while they are indeed portable, they can also last being left out in the weather. They come with a one year warranty, are 100 per cent weather resistant and once you’re accustomed to assembling them they’ll fly up and down in a few minutes. They’re perfect for training use as well as in matches and while they’re an investment, they won’t let you down and should last for years.

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Franklin Sports Flexpro Portable Goal: £50.02, Amazon

If you want a solid goal that will last the test of time and look the part, this one is for you. It only comes in one size but constructed of fibre glass and steel it’s sturdy when constructed yet lightweight and easy to pack away and put up. Whether you’re wanting to improve your skills in the park or the garden or the beach, this is a light weight, cheap goal which is easy to assemble and will take as many crossbar challenges as you can kick at it.

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Kickmaster 2 in 1 Fold Away Pop Up Goal: £14.99, Big Red Warehouse

If target practice is what you’re after, this goal is perfect. Lean it one way and you’ve got holes with points to score in, the other way you’ve got a mini goal mouth to show off your inner Ronaldo. It’s a perfect indoor option and a great training aid. There’s an argument that it’s size makes it better suited to young players but if you’re wanting to practice accuracy, it’ll suit adult players too. It’s pop up construction means you can be playing in seconds too.

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FORZA Flash Pop Up Football Goals: £39.99 Net World Sports

These goals pop up too so construction takes seconds and they can take a hard strike effortlessly. Plastic pegs secure it in place but if you’re playing on sand you’ll need longer ones to stop it going anywhere. Available in three sizes, whether it’s for training or a friendly kick about this goal is far sturdier and more durable than it looks.

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Samba 3 in 1 Goal Post Training Practice Net: £278.49, Amazon

The only adjustable model on the list, this three in one goal can either be used full size or breaks down into three target goals which makes it ideal for training sessions. The carry bag is durable and can be worn as a rucksack but, at roughly the size of a small ironing board, this isn’t a goal to take on the bus to training but it is perfect if you’re taking a more serious level of training or playing a tournament.

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Verdict: Portable football goals

For easy of construction and the knowledge you’re playing in a goal favoured by professional clubs and academies across Europe, the Bazooka Goal comes top of the list. No bag to lose, it also looks the part and the fact it doesn’t need pegs mean it’s up and ready for use in seconds. It also suits a variety of age groups from kids to seniors. The Kickmaster 2 in 1 is easier on the wallet though and comes a close second. While you wouldn’t want to use it for a full game, the fact you can practice skills and the pop up nature make it the ideal choice to pack along with a picnic for the park or the beach. Whichever one you decide on, consider where and how you’ll be using it before you buy. If you’re a football coach, you’ll want something sturdier than if you’re just after something to use for a kick about in the garden.