Soccer Fields: Complete Guide to Sizes, Locations, and More

An illuminated soccer field at night. Soccer fields are the rectangular pitches where the world’s most popular sport is played. These fields – usually natural grass or artificial turf – have strict dimensions and markings per the Laws of the Game. For example, FIFA’s recommended field size is 105×68 meters (≈115×74 yards). In this 2025 guide we cover field dimensions, player counts, indoor vs. outdoor variants, finding fields near you, and interesting field-related news.

• Field Size (Official): FIFA recommends 105m × 68m (≈115×74 yd).

• Size Range: Regulation fields can range from 100–130 yards long by 50–100 yards wide. (International matches use 110–120 × 70–80 yd.)

• Players: Each team has 11 players (including a goalkeeper), so up to 22 players on the pitch in a match. A minimum of 7 per side is required to start a game.

• Field Types: Besides full-size outdoor pitches, there are indoor soccer fields (e.g. futsal courts and 5v5 pitches) that are smaller (see below). Surfaces can be grass or artificial turf; well-maintained turf is common in schools and indoor arenas.

• Finding Fields: To locate nearby fields, search “soccer fields near me” or “public soccer fields near me”. City parks and sports complexes often have public fields. For indoor play, try “indoor soccer field near me” to find turf arenas.

Standard Soccer Fields Dimensions:

A regulation soccer field must be rectangular. The touchlines (longer sides) and goal lines (shorter sides) have set ranges. In adult play, touchlines are usually 100–130 yards (91–119 m) long and goal lines 50–100 yards (45–91 m) wide. International matches tighten that to 110–120 yards long by 70–80 yards wide. FIFA prefers exactly 105×68 m (≈115×74 yd), which most professional stadiums use.

• Length: 100–130 yards (91–119 m) standard; 110–120 yd (100–110 m) for international play.

• Width: 50–100 yards (45–91 m) standard; 70–80 yd (64–73 m) for internationals.

• Touchline vs Goal Line: Touchlines are the field’s longer edges, goal lines the shorter edges.

• Marked Areas: Within the field are the center circle, penalty areas (18×44 yd box), goal areas (6×20 yd box), corner arcs, etc., as defined by the Laws of the Game.

How Many Players on a Soccer Fields?

Soccer is played 11 vs. 11 in official matches. Each team fields 11 players (1 goalkeeper + 10 outfield players). This means 22 players maximum are on the pitch. According to Law 3, a game cannot start or continue if a team has fewer than 7 players. Modern rules (as of 2025) typically allow up to 5 substitutes per team in top-level games.

• Players per Team: 11 players (including one goalkeeper).

• Total Players: 22 players on the field (plus referees).

• Minimum: 7 players per side to start/continue a match.

• Substitutions: Typically 5 allowed in 11-a-side games, depending on competition rules.

Soccer Field vs. Football Field (American)

Soccer (association football) fields differ from American football fields. An American gridiron field is fixed at 120×53.3 yards (including two 10-yard end zones), whereas a soccer field can be up to 130×100 yards. In practice, pro soccer fields are a bit larger: ~115×75 yards. Key differences:

• Length: Soccer – up to 130 yd (goal line to goal line ~100 yd); American – 120 yd total (100 yd + 2×10 yd end zones).

• Width: Soccer – up to 100 yd (often 70–80 yd); American – 53.3 yd (160 ft).

• Markings: Soccer fields have a center circle, penalty boxes, and corner arcs. Football fields have yard lines every 5 yards, numbered markers, and end zones.

• Goals/Posts: Soccer goals are 8×24 ft (placed on goal lines); American goal posts are 18.5×10 ft (on end lines).

• Play Style: Soccer fields allow continuous play and corner kicks; American fields stop play at end zones and use downs.

Indoor Soccer Fields

Indoor soccer refers to small-sided games on smaller pitches, often enclosed by walls or fences. Futsal, a popular indoor variant, uses a hard court roughly 25–42 m long by 16–25 m wide. Other indoor arenas offer 5v5 or 7v7 pitches on artificial turf. For example, a typical 5-a-side indoor field is about 50×82 to 50×100 ft (≈15–30 m by 25–30 m). Larger indoor fields for 7v7 can reach ~60×150 ft (18×45 m).

• Futsal Court: 25–42m long × 16–25m wide (roughly 82–138 × 52–82 ft).

• 5v5 Pitch: ~50 ft × 82–100 ft (common indoor dimensions).

• 7v7 Arena: Often around 60×150 ft (18×45 m) with partial boundaries.

• Surfaces: Indoor fields always use artificial turf or hard court. “Wall-ball” formats let play continue off walls; others have netted sidelines.

• Finding Indoor Fields: Search “indoor soccer field near me” for local sport centers. Many indoor facilities rent fields by the hour for training and pickup games.

Finding Soccer Fields Near You

Looking for soccer fields near me is easy with today’s tools. Use Google Maps or other map services and type “soccer fields near me” (or “public soccer fields”, “recreation soccer fields”). City or county park websites often list their field locations and schedules. Soccer clubs, leagues, or community Facebook groups may also share local field info. For indoor play, try “indoor soccer field near me” or “turf field rentals”.

• Search Example: Enter “soccer fields near [Your City]” in Google to see parks and sports complexes.

• Community Sites: Check the Parks & Rec site for field maps or reservation systems.

• Apps/Directories: There are sports facility directory apps (like Fields Finder) covering public fields.

• School/College Fields: Some universities or high schools allow community access (check their schedules).

• Local Leagues: Recreational leagues often have home fields and can direct you to nearby venues.

Notable Soccer Field Projects & News

• Alton, Illinois (2024 Sinkhole): In June 2024 a 100-foot-wide sinkhole opened beneath a turf soccer field at Gordon F. Moore Park in Alton. Bleachers, lights, and turf were swallowed, but no one was injured. The field sits over an old limestone mine, which collapsed unexpectedly.

• Craig Ranch Soccer Complex (McKinney, TX): A vast 65-acre complex with 12 lit soccer fields and 1 championship field. It includes trails, pavilions, and a pavilion seating, serving thousands of players.

• Whitsett Fields Park (Los Angeles, CA): Being transformed into a premier soccer complex. The 15-acre site will have 7 new turf fields with LED lighting (up from 4 existing fields), plus parking, picnic areas, and a community center.

• Crocker Amazon Soccer Fields (San Francisco, CA): Renovated in 2023 with funding from the SF Giants. Old synthetic turf was replaced (using natural infill) to create three full-size fields. Community input debated turf vs. grass due to environmental concerns. The updated Crocker fields reopened for public play in 2023.

Each example shows how major communities invest in soccer infrastructure, ensuring quality soccer fields for recreation and competition.

Safety & Injuries on Soccer Fields

Soccer is a contact sport, and field conditions affect injury risk. Common injuries include sprained ankles, knee ligament tears (ACL/MCL), hamstring strains, and cuts/abrasions from slides. Heading collisions can occasionally cause concussions. Good footwear (cleats on grass, turf shoes on artificial turf) and proper field care help minimize risk.

• Surface Injuries: Abrasions (“turf burns”) are more frequent on artificial turf; grass tends to cushion falls. However, studies show overall injury rates are similar on turf vs. grass – it’s “difficult to make firm conclusions” on which is safer.

• Field Conditions: A well-maintained field (even surface, no holes) is crucial. Hard or muddy patches, uneven ground, or wet/icy grass greatly increase risk of twists or slides.

• Goal Safety: Secure and pad goals to prevent tipping. Notably, collisions with goalposts still cause injuries, so modern nets often have quick-release or cushioning to reduce impact.

• Preventive Measures: Always warm up before play. Check fields for debris (rocks, glass) and report any hazards. Use shin guards. Avoid playing on waterlogged pitches where footing is poor.

Safety ultimately depends on using proper equipment and following the referee’s guidance; well-marked, well-lit fields reduce accidents and allow quick response to any injuries.

FAQs

Q: How big is a soccer field?
A: Soccer field size can vary. Typically, pitches are 100–130 yards long and 50–100 yards wide. For official international matches, the range is 110–120 yd × 70–80 yd. FIFA’s standard is 105 × 68 meters (≈115×74 yards). Youth or amateur fields are often smaller within these ranges.

Q: How many players are on a soccer field?
A: In an official match, there are 11 players per team on the field, for a total of 22 players. This includes 1 goalkeeper and 10 field players per side. Games cannot continue if a team drops below 7 players. (Smaller-sided games like 5v5 or 7v7 have fewer players by definition.)

Q: How many yards is a soccer field?
A: A full-size soccer field is usually 100–130 yards long. FIFA regulations allow up to 120 yards for international matches. The width can be up to 100 yards, though pro pitches are often 70–80 yards wide.

Q: What is the difference between a soccer field and a football field?
A: An American football field is 120×53.3 yards (including end zones), while a soccer field can be larger. Soccer pitches can reach 130 yards long by 100 yards wide. Football fields have fixed yard lines and end zones; soccer fields have penalty areas, a center circle, and corner arcs. Goals are also different sizes (soccer goals 8×24 ft, football uprights 18.5×10 ft).

Q: How do I find soccer fields near me?
A: The easiest way is using maps or search engines. Google or Apple Maps often display parks and fields when you search “soccer fields near me”. Check your city’s parks & recreation site for field maps and booking info. Local soccer clubs and community sports groups also list venues. For indoor options, search “indoor soccer field near me” or check sports complexes with turf rentals.

Q: Are indoor soccer fields smaller?
A: Yes. Indoor soccer (futsal or 5v5) uses smaller courts, often 25–42m by 16–25m (much smaller than outdoor). Standard indoor 5-a-side pitches run about 50×82–100 ft. These fields have walls or nets along the sidelines. They allow year-round play, especially in cold or rainy climates.

Q: Was there a soccer field sinkhole recently?
A: Yes. In June 2024, a 100-foot-wide sinkhole opened under a soccer field at Gordon Moore Park in Alton, Illinois. A limestone mine below collapsed, swallowing part of the artificial-turf field, lights, and bleachers. Miraculously, no players were injured.

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