If your tot already showing signs of becoming a budding football fanatic, it may be time to treat them to one of these fun toddler football goals to use inside the house or outdoors in a big open space.
According to Early Years Resources, playing football can offer your little one a whole host of benefits, from developing their movement, to improving their communication and teamwork skills, so starting them at an early age can be beneficial.
Editor's Choice:
•Best multipurpose goal: Arkmiido 4-in-1 Stand - Buy now from Amazon
•Best for interactivity: Chicco Moving Goal League Pro Football Game - Buy now from Amazon
•Best for portability: Dreamon Football Goal for Kids - Buy now from Amazon
•Best foldable goal: Little Tikes 3-in-1 Sports Activity Centre - Buy now from Argos
There are plenty of options on offer, so we have rounded up 8 of the best toddler football goals which are suitable for all little sports stars to practice their skills.
The best toddler football goals 2023
Best multipurpose goal
Description
Suitable for 1-10 years, this football goal has four actives in one, including a basketball hoop and a ring catcher, as well as a storyteller which is perfect if your little one gets bored quickly. The basket ball hoop has seven different height settings and can go up to 5 feet tall, so your toddler can continue playing as they grow.
One reviewer said: “An amazing 4 in 1 activity centre! This toddler basketball hoop has seven heights settings from 2 to 5 feet, which is suitable for kids from 1 to 10 years old. This lovely kids basketball hoop has three sports to play: a funny loop game, nice basket ball game and amazing soccer goal game. I love that my child can play alone or with friends. Easy to set up, takes up little space, safe and non-toxic, odourless, has a rich bright colour.”
Pros
- Adjustable height
- Equipment included
Cons
- May not be stable on uneven floors
Best for interactivity
Description
This goal can either remain stationary or move from left to right to create an even more exciting game for your toddler. When they score a goal, a celebration song and lights will go off and motivating music will play to help your little one to put their best foot forward.
One reviewer said: “My 1 year old makes a beeline for a ball anytime he see's one so this seemed like the ideal birthday present. It can be set to make sounds when the ball goes in the goal or set to press the button instead. The little ball that came with it was perfect for him too. The goal is on wheels so can glide side to side also. It arrived fully assembled and ready to play!"
Pros
- Three game modes
- Uses lights and sounds
Cons
- May outgrow out of it quickly
Best for portability
Description
Lightweight and highly portable, this goal is brilliant for a kickabout at the park with their best mates. Each piece is easy to slot together and you could get your child to help you. It also comes with a small ball and a pump to inflate it before they play.
One reviewer said: "The ball that comes with it is a small inflatable ball. Probably would be ok for young children to play with indoors but doesn’t work for a football mad 7 year old."
Pros
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Ball is wear resistant
Cons
- Some users say it's smaller than expected
Best for noises
Description
This colourful football goal comes with three switches that light up and play rhymes to entertain your toddler while playing. There's also an interactive whistle and a goalkeeper that moves for a bit of a challenge. Suitable for toddlers from 18 months, it’s sure to offer plenty of football fun.
One reviewer said: “I purchased the item as a gift. The child was soon drawn to the sounds, colours and lights. It's an attractive, dynamic, and fun toy. The quality is also super satisfactory.”
Pros
- Ball included
- Elephant goalkeeper is removable
Cons
- Not the most durable of options
Best for music
Description
Suitable for 3 years+, this electronic sports centre includes a football goal and a basketball hoop for plenty of fun. The LED screen will record your toddlers score while they shoot baskets and will play fun animations while they try to get the ball in the goal.
One reviewer said: “I bought for my nephew's 1st birthday he loved it. There's plenty to keep him entertained and it will last a while he's not walking yet, but he can use the netball feature and roll the football into the net has he starts walking (he will learn the rest and it will grow with him, so will last a while). The netball feature can be raised higher and grow with him”
Pros
- Adjustable height
- Plays 18 melodies and 4 songs
Cons
- Goal itself is very small
Best foldable goal
www.argos.co.uk
Description
Keep your toddler entertained for hours with this Little Tikes Activity centre, aka one of the best toddler football goals on the market. It comes with a basketball hoop and bowling. When they’re all tiered out this activity centre can be neatly folded up, making storage easy, and is suitable for 12 months+.
One review****er said: “We bought this for our grandson who is 1. He soon got the hang of the basketball hoop and bowling. He isn’t steady enough on his feet to kick the football himself yet but he rolls it into the net. The score board with its lights and noises is a fun addition. The coloured shapes are a little stiff to push down to reset the skittles however he soon got the hang of it. We like that it will grow with him for when he is toddling properly.”
Pros
- Digital screen tracks points
- Includes 3 balls
Cons
- Batteries aren't included
Best for different games
Description
Your toddler can become an all round sports star with this football goal, which also transforms into basketball, bowling and golf. The interactive pictures will also help develop their motor skills and hand-eye coordination, and it’s suitable for 18 months+.
One reviewer said: “I got this as a 2nd birthday gift for my grandson. It's smaller than I expected but I'm sure he will love it. I found the clips didn't quite connect in a couple of the elements but after a bit of a struggle they went in. I just hope there isn't a problem when it needs to be adjusted for the golf and skittles games. The music it plays on the football selection is very loud and can be annoying to adults. It seems that you need to hit the net in a specific place to register the goal but we'll see when he receives it. All in all, for the price, its a canny enough piece of kit which I'm sure he'll enjoy.”
Pros
- Infrared sensors
- Bowling pins, golf clubs, golf ball and ball included
Cons
- Toddlers may need help to adjust it
Best for gifting
Description
This fun football game has three different electronic gaming modes and 25 different melodies for endless entertainment. Flashing lights and music will assemble when your toddler scores a goal and it’s suitable for 2-5 years.
One reviewer said: “My 2 year old loves this toy. He loves kicking balls around and we were pretending goals before this. Now he loves getting cheered on my the crowd and the flashing lights cheering him on as he scores.
My only negative to this product is the connecters for the net and the frame seem to always come loose now after a couple of weeks play. It means I have to reconnect the net after every goal."
Read our Chicco Goal League Interactive Football Net Game review here.
Pros
- Solo and multiplayer challenges
- Wipe clean plastic
Cons
- Net may become unattached if oved with force
What to look for when buying toddler football goals
Size - When buying a football goal for kids the first thing you'll need to consider is the size. Not only to determine whether it'll fit in your home or garden, but to ensure that it will see them through many years of playing the sport. A lot of goals can be adjusted which will increase their longevity and usability.
Durability - For those first few years, a simple small goal with a lightweight ball for toddlers will do. If your little one has a lot of strength in their kick, you may want to opt for a sturdier goal for them to kick a football into, as cheap ones could fall apart with the impact.
Features - Many kids' football goals have fun interactive features to keep them entertained, such as lights, bright colours, movable features and songs and sounds.
Usage - Whether your toddler will be using the football net outside or indoors is a key point to consider, as some goals are bigger than others or less sturdier.
Top tip: If your goal is a bit wobbly or unsteady, purchase a sports mat with some grip and place it underneath the goal.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who enjoys cooking and spending time with her many pets.