How to Build A Kids Soccer Goal with PVC
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Time to read 4 min
The World Cup might be over, but that doesn't mean the soccer has to stop! This week's blog post shows how to build a kids soccer goal out of PVC materials (we got our inspiration from this article) . This project is a fun, simple build that you can do with your kids. Additionally, it can be used year-round! With a handful of materials, some elbow grease, and a free afternoon, you'll have your very own DIY PVC soccer goal in no time!
Materials
- 1" Sch. 40 PVC Pipe - 5' length (8)
- 1" Sch. 40 PVC Elbow (6)
- 1" Sch. 40 PVC Tee (4)
- PVC Primer and Cement
- Tape Measure
- Hacksaw or PVC Cutting Tool
- Scissors
- Marker
- Deer Netting
- Zip Ties (20-30)
Step 1: Cutting the Pipe
The first step in building a PVC soccer goal is cutting the pipe. Using a hand saw or PVC cutting tool, cut PVC pipe into 12 pieces: two 5' lengths, two 4' lengths, four 3' lengths, and four 1' lengths. If you use 5’ lengths, the first two pieces will require no cutting.
Step 2: Dry Fitting the Frame
The next step in building a PVC soccer goal is to do a dry (without primer & cement) build of the goal frame to ensure the pieces are the correct lengths.
Start with the bottom of the structure, attaching elbows to the 3’ sections on the sides. One elbow should point up, and the other should point towards the inside of the goal.
Place a 1’ section into each of the horizontal elbows, and then attach a tee to each of those pieces. Connect the two tees with another 3’ piece. The bottom of the structure is now complete.
Insert your 4’ pieces into the vertical-pointing elbows at the front of the goal. Add an elbow to the top of the 4’ sections.
Put the 5’ PVC sections into the tees at the back of the goal. Place the other two tees at the end of these pieces. Connect these tees to the elbows at the end of the 4’ sections with a 1’ PVC piece. Finish the top bar by connecting the tees at the top with your final 3’ section.
Finally, connect the top of the goal to the bottom with your two 5’ pipe pieces. If, during this process, you find that some of your pieces do not fit, you should still have enough left-over piping for a few more 1’ sections.
Step 3: Applying PVC Primer and Cement
To make sure the soccer goal stays together, you will need to apply PVC cement at each joint. This will probably be the most time-consuming step, but it is necessary if you want the goal to stay together permanently.
Before taking the pieces apart to cement, it can help to mark joints with a line. This will make it easier to align pieces. PVC cement sets in a matter of seconds, so you will need to quickly make sure pieces are pointing the right direction.
Joints should be cemented one-by-one, as the glue dries quickly. First, apply PVC cement about an inch deep on the end of the pipe.
Next, apply PVC cement to the inside of the fitting, also about an inch deep.
Put the pipe and fitting together and twist them in place, making sure the fitting ends up pointing the right direction. Hold both pieces in place for 5-10 seconds before letting go. Repeat this process for each joint on the soccer goal.
Step 4: Cutting and Attaching Deer Netting
Finally, unroll your deer netting and measure enough to cover the back and sides of the goal (about 12’). Use scissors to cut the netting, leaving a little extra for overhang. If your netting piece is too big, you can always cut away the extra when you’re finished.
Attach the deer netting with zip ties. 20-30 zip ties are required to attach the netting to the goal frame. Cut off excess with scissors after zip ties are tightened.
When attaching the net, start around the bottom of the goal, since that is the longest distance the net will need to cover. After that, pull the net taut from the top and use zip ties to secure it the rest of the way, collecting excess in corners.
Once your net is attached, you’re done building your PVC soccer goal! Happy playing!
To create your own soccer goal, look no further! We have all the supplies at lower prices than big-box companies. Plus, fast shipping!
Materials & Cuts: Uses 1" Schedule 40 PVC pipe, standard fittings (elbows and tees), deer netting, and zip ties.
Assembly Process: Involves cutting the pipe to size, dry-fitting the frame, and securing joints with fast-acting PVC primer and cement.
Finishing: Wraps the frame tightly with deer netting, secured at 20–30 points around the structure using zip ties.
FAQs
What size and type of PVC pipe is best for this DIY soccer goal project?
The project uses 1" Schedule 40 PVC pipe. Schedule 40 provides a good balance of structural stability and affordability for light recreational equipment, while the 1-inch thickness keeps the frame lightweight enough for kids to handle safely.
Why should I dry-fit the frame before applying PVC cement?
Dry-fitting allows you to assemble the entire soccer goal without glue to verify that all 12 pipe sections are cut to the proper length and fit together correctly. Since PVC cement cures and permanently sets within seconds, dry-fitting prevents costly cutting mistakes before you finalize the joints.
What material should I use for the netting, and how do I attach it?
The guide recommends using deer netting (approximately a 12-foot length) to cover the sides and back of the frame. You secure the netting to the PVC pipes using 20 to 30 zip ties, pulling the net taut from the bottom up and trimming any excess netting or zip-tie tails with scissors.
Mark Ligon
Mark Ligon is the marketing manager at PVC Fittings Online, a supplier of commercial PVC and CPVC pipe, fittings and valves. Ligon enjoys educating businesses on the parts of piping systems so managers can make informed decisions. He can be reached at webmaster@commercial-industrial-supply.com.
