How Big Is an Official Soccer Field?
An official soccer field, also known as a football pitch, is the playing surface where soccer matches are played. The size of an official soccer field is standardized by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the governing body of soccer. Understanding the dimensions of an official soccer field is crucial for players, coaches, and spectators alike.
The standard size of an official soccer field is 105 meters (344 feet) long and 68 meters (223 feet) wide. However, the field size can vary slightly depending on the age and level of play. For instance, youth soccer fields are typically smaller, with dimensions ranging from 60 meters (196 feet) by 40 meters (131 feet) for under-8 players to 90 meters (295 feet) by 45 meters (148 feet) for under-12 players. Adult fields are always the standard 105 meters by 68 meters.
The width of the field is marked by two lines, known as the touchlines, which are 68 meters (223 feet) apart. The length of the field is marked by two lines called the goal lines, which are 105 meters (344 feet) apart. The goal area, where the goals are located, is an additional 6.5 meters (21 feet) on each side of the goalposts, making the goal area 18 meters (59 feet) wide and 5.5 meters (18 feet) deep.
In addition to the playing area, an official soccer field includes a penalty area, which is a larger rectangular area surrounding the goal area. The penalty area extends 16.5 meters (54 feet) from each goalpost and is 5.5 meters (18 feet) deep. This area is marked by two lines, known as the penalty arc, which are 9.15 meters (30 feet) from the center of each goalpost.
The center of the field is marked by a center circle, which is 9.15 meters (30 feet) in diameter. The center circle serves as the starting point for kick-offs and is also used as a neutral meeting point for players during the pre-game warm-up.
The dimensions of an official soccer field are essential for the game’s fairness and safety. Ensuring that the field meets the proper size and markings allows for consistent gameplay and minimizes the risk of injuries. Knowing the size of an official soccer field can help players, coaches, and fans appreciate the game’s intricate details and the challenges that players face on the pitch.
