Size Matters: How Many Acres is a Soccer Field?

The average soccer field is 1.86 acres or 81,000 square feet. So, it’s just a bit under 2 acres.

The average soccer field or “pitch” as it’s also referred to varies in size. A standard adult soccer field can range from 1.59 to 1.98 acres.

Let’s take a look at how the standard professional field stacks up to the other field sizes.

Dimensions of a Soccer Field – How Many Acres?

Now that we know the average soccer field is 1.86 acres, let’s break it down to how we got to the answer.

360 ft. x 225 ft. = 81,000 square feet

1 acre = 43,560 square feet

81,000 sq. ft. / 43,560 sq. ft. = 1.86 acres

Each league has a standard or minimum that stadiums must adhere to. For example, the FIFA minimum is 1.59 acres with the largest FIFA soccer field being 2.07 acres.

We recently attended a Stoke City game and it is about 1.59 acres (source). It looked noticeably smaller than the pitch at Old Trafford.

We also saw Old Trafford which hosts Manchester United and that field size is 1.76 acres.

What Are Youth Soccer Field Sizes?

Youth soccer fields vary by age group and league.

Sometimes it depends on how much total field space is available so they can split the fields up as evenly as possible. For example, I’ve seen full fields split into three smaller fields going from sideline to sideline.

Here are typical field size ranges based on the ages of boys and girls:

• U8: 0.12-0.31 acres
• U10: 0.31-0.5 acres
• U13 and above: 1.59-1.98 acres
• NCAA: 1.66-1.98

Indoor and Futsal Soccer Field Sizes

Indoor soccer fields are typically smaller than outdoor soccer fields.

The size of an indoor soccer field can vary depending on the facility, but it is usually around 60 yards long and 30 yards wide.

Indoor soccer fields are designed to be played on hard surfaces, such as concrete or turf. Think of an ice hockey rink.

Futsal is a variation of soccer that is played on a smaller field. A futsal field is typically between 25 and 42 meters long and between 16 and 25 meters wide.

The smaller size of the field allows for faster-paced gameplay and more ball control. Think basketball court.

Is the Soccer Field Too Big?

In the United States, I personally feel that we move kids too quickly onto a full 11v11 field. The transition usually happens from U12 to U13.

This means that twelve-year-olds who just started (or haven’t started) to hit their growth spurt are on a professional field.

If you watch their games, the kids who are early bloomers usually have a huge advantage. At the same time, the majority are using so much strength that it takes away from their technique.

I would rather see youth soccer players stay on a 9v9 field for another year while their bodies mature. This way, they can develop their skills rather than force their way during the games.