What Are Goalposts Made Of?
What Are Goalposts Made Of?
What goalposts are made from really depends on what they’re being used for and the answer involves more than just metal and plastic. The materials used must all balance safety standards, metal engineering and portability requirements.
In this guide we’ll break down the modern materials used, helping you understand what material is best for your specific environment.
The Main Materials Used for Goalposts
Modern football goalposts fall into three main categories:
Steel
Aluminium
Plastic
Choosing the right one isn’t just about price, it’s about meeting safety standards and ensuring your choice is right for the environment.
Steel Goalposts: Maximum Stability
In public or unsupervised areas, steel goalposts are traditionally associated with permanent installations. They are the go-to for durability but require a certain amount of upkeep to prevent damage caused by rust.
Modern steel goalposts are engineered for safety, they should be hot-dip galvanised to ISO 1461 standards. This creates a chemical bond that will protect the metal for decades. Their weight adds stability, making them ideal for socketed installations. Many now include anti-vandalism features such as locking mechanisms and anti theft nuts, preventing them from being stolen.
The Pro Standard: Aluminium Goalposts
If you see a goalpost on TV, it’s most likely aluminium. They are now considered the industry standard for all organised football. Aluminium is roughly a third of the weight of steel and is recommended for freestanding or folding goals, making them portable and lowering the risk of injury.
Using elliptical profiles, professional aluminum posts provide rigidity to the crossbar and prevent sagging. Aluminium naturally forms a protective layer against rust, making it a 15-20 year investment to clubs.
Plastic Goalposts: uPVC Versatility
Plastic goalposts are often associated with junior football. However, professional grade uPVC goals are UV stabilised to maintain structural integrity over several seasons. Quality systems are made from thick wall tubing and are resistant to high impact, separating them from just a toy to a well engineered piece of equipment.
A sagging crossbar is a common sign of a low quality plastic goal. As opposed to push-fit components, look for systems that use locking mechanisms to ensure the frame remains square during play.
Safety Standards and Compliance
Regardless of material, goals used in schools or clubs should meet the following regulations:
BS EN 16579: The official safety standard for all sports goalposts
BS EN 748: The official standard for full size, 11v11 football goals
A goal that is advertised as “BS EN 16579” compliant, assumes you are using the manufactures recommended anchoring system. A goal is only as safe as its stability system, so always remember to check the anchor rating.
What Material Should You Choose
Choosing the correct material for your goalposts comes down to these three points:
If vandal proofing your goals is the main priority, you should choose steel.
If you’re looking for the best performance for your school or club, choose aluminium
Choose uPVC if you’re coaching under 8s or need a portable solution
What We’ve Learned from Supplying Goalposts
After years of supplying goalposts one thing remains consistent, choosing the right material prevents long term problems. Steel will provide you with security while aluminum delivers professional performance. For grassroots football, plastic offers an accessible solution.
For more information and advice simply contact our online sales team via online live chat, email or telephone.