Guia do mini-campo de futebol: Projeto, custo e instalação

What? A mini soccer pitch? Where exactly in schools, backyards, sports academies, or commercial venues is it built? Are you filled with questions about this small soccer field. We’ll analyze the factors influencing the development of a mini soccer field from its initial design to its final operation, hoping to help you with your future investment choices.

What Is a Mini Soccer Pitch?

As is well known, the standard FIFA football pitch is 105m x 68m. However, when your school, residential project, indoor facility, or commercial sports center is limited by space and you desperately need a field for football training, then a mini-soccer field is your best choice.

A mini-soccer field, also known as a mini-soccer field, micro soccer pitch, or small-sided soccer field, is a scaled-down version of a standard football field, designed specifically for small training matches ranging from 3v3 to 6v6.

Mini-soccer fields are becoming increasingly popular for the following reasons:

• Maximizing the use of limited space
• Lower construction and maintenance budgets
• Year-round training and recreation
• Providing a faster, more intense playing environment for smaller groups

This mini-field system may require LED sports lighting, wire mesh fencing, goals, benches, and lockable lockers, depending on your needs. Based on Grama Poderosa years of experience, while field sizes and amenities may vary, most field deployments can be completed within a few weeks, saving you unnecessary expenses. This is truly a ready-to-use solution for your club, school, or commercial venue. If you’re planning to build a mini soccer pitch for your venue, the final investment will depend directly on your location and the materials you choose.. But in most parts of the US, the cost of a mini soccer pitch is between $43,000 and $123,000.

Mini Soccer Pitch Dimensions

Whether you’re designing an indoor or outdoor mini-soccer pitch, the size depends on the type of game, the number of players, and the available playing space. While there’s no single standard size, local preferences and habits have subtly shaped the standard for small soccer fields in different regions. We’ve compiled some key design considerations and field examples for you.

Mini Soccer Pitch: Key Design Notes

• Aspect ratio:  Ensuring balanced play and effective ball circulation, Recommended mini soccer fields maintain a length-to-width ratio 1.5 : 1.
• Goal placement: Goals are typically centered on the short sides, with widths ranging from 2 m to 3 m and heights between 1 m and 2 m, depending on the game format.
• Safety margins: A clearance zone of at least 1 m around the perimeter is recommended for safe play and maintenance access.
• Surface layout: Fields can be oriented north–south to minimize glare during play, particularly for outdoor installations.
• Line markings: Standard markings include the halfway line, center circle (radius ≤3 m), penalty spots (≤8 m from the goal line), corner arcs (0.25 m radius), and white grass (width: 8 cm).

Mini Soccer Pitch Examples

• 3v3 (15 x 10 meters): This is a popular size for pitches with limited space, suitable for mobile activities.
• 4v4 (22 x 16 meters): O Homeless World Cup is regularly staged on pitches of this size, for example. These dimensions are ideal for mobile events.
• 4v4 (24 x 15 meters): This size is particularly popular in Denmark. The Kollegabold sports arenas of the Dansk Firmaidraets Forbund (Danish Company Sports Association) were built to these dimensions, for example.
• 5v5 (≈36 x 27 meters): De acordo com o Football Association (FA), a 5-a-side pitch is recommended to be approximately 40 yards long x 30 yards wide.
• 6v6 (≈46 x 36 meters): In the US Youth Soccer 6v6 format, the recommended pitch size is 50 yards long x 40 yards wide.

Mini Soccer Pitch Design Considerations (Design & Material Selection)

When planning to build a mini-soccer pitch, your focus should be on choosing the right turf system and foundation structure to ensure field performance, safety, durability, and long-term cost-effectiveness. Mighty Grass, a reliable Fornecedor e fabricante de relva artificial com certificação FIFA, designs pitches that ensure smooth ball roll, excellent shock absorption, and a safe playing environment for players of all ages.

Here are some factors to consider when designing your pitch:

Turf System Selection

Especificação	Recommended Range	Porque é que é importante
Pile height	30–50mm	Balanced ball control & foot stability
Yarn type	PE monofilament + PP curl	Durability + softer touch + higher resilience
Dtex	8,000–12,000	Stronger fibers for longer life span
Gauge & Stitch Rate	Sports-grade density (10500/12600)	Ensures ball roll consistency & wear resistance
Resistência UV	Minimum 4,000–6,000 hours	Prevents fading & fiber brittleness outdoors

Mighty Grass can customize professional sports-grade artificial turf systems with engineered shock absorption and yarn strength to meet your needs. Our FIFA MT-DIAMANTE e FIFA MT-UBEST are FIFA certified grasses and have passed UV 5000h, environmental DIN, and fire resistance tests.

Obter um orçamento gratuito

Infill vs. Non-Infill Turf

Tipo	Ideal For	Benefícios
3G Infill (sand + rubber)	Outdoor 5-a-side & training pitches	Pro ball performance & cushioning
Non-infill turf	Schools, home pitches, indoor facilities	Cleaner surface & low maintenance

Lembrete amigável: If your mini-pitch is used for younger children or indoor sports facilities, relva artificial sem enchimento (MT-Não-preenchimento-Surf) is your ideal choice.

Almofada de choque

Shock pad ensures better joint protection and comfort, especially for children and heavy-use commercial fields.

Espessura	Aplicativo
8–10mm	Indoor facilities, private home pitches
10–12mm	Schools & youth training centers
15mm+	Professional training environments, high-impact zones

Base Construction Options

Base Type	Best Applications	Key Benefits
Crushed Stone Foundation	Outdoor parks, schools, community pitches	Excellent drainage performance; suitable for natural soil sites; cost-effective
Concrete Base	Rooftops, urban facilities with limited space, indoor mini pitches	Very stable and flat surface; clean and durable layout; ideal for modular turf systems
Asphalt Base	Professional sports venues, commercial training centers, high-traffic facilities	High structural stability; long lifespan; consistent ball bounce and player footing

Choose your base according to your site conditions, and add a drainage slope of 0.4%–0.7% to ensure efficient water runoff.

Perimeter & Safety

Element	Propósito
Fencing / ball-stop net	Prevent ball loss & enhance safety
LED lighting	Night-play capability
Safety run-off area	Reduce collision risks

How Much Does a Mini Soccer Field Cost?

Mini soccer pitch pricing depends on field size, base structure, turf system, and accessories. Below is a structured breakdown to help you plan your budget accurately. Budget Formula: Total Cost = Turf System + Base Construction + Installation + Accessories (optional) + Maintenance

Construction Costs

Elemento de custo	Typical Range
Relva artificial	$5 – $12 / m²
Shock pad (optional)	$4 – $10 / m²
Base construction	$20 – $50 / m²
Installation labor	$10 – $25 / m²
Line marking & glue	$1 – $3 / m²
Fencing / lighting (optional)	$5,000 – $35,000 total

Your final budget depends mainly on field size, terrain preparation, turf quality, and whether you include lighting & fencing.

Custos de manutenção

Maintenance for a mini soccer field is minimal compared to natural grass.

Maintenance Item	Frequency	Cost Estimate
Brushing / leveling	Mensal	Minimal labor cost
Infill top-up (if 3G)	Every 1–2 years	$300 – $1,200 depending field size
Seam & line checks	Quarterly	Prevent wear & tear
Water cleaning / debris removal	Conforme necessário	Low cost

Escolhendo relva artificial de alta qualidade reduces maintenance effort and extends service life.

Renovation Costs

Field renovation typically includes:

Renovation Item	Custo estimado
Substituição da relva	$5 – $12 / m²
Shock pad reuse	Yes (if in good condition) — saves up to 40%
Infill refresh (3G)	$300 – $2,000 depending size

Typical turf lifespan: 8-12 anos depending on usage. When you plan your field with the right materials and engineering, you get a pitch that performs better, lasts longer, and saves money over time.

Obter um orçamento gratuito

Mini Soccer Pitch Installation Process

Installing a mini soccer pitch may seem straightforward, but a professional, step-by-step approach ensures your field performs well, lasts longer, and meets safety standards. Here’s how you can approach the installation:

Step 1: Ground Preparation & Base Construction

1. Site Clearing: Remove existing grass, debris, and rocks. Ensure the area is free of large roots or uneven soil.
2. Excavation & Leveling: Excavate to the required depth (usually 15–25 cm depending on the base system). Use a laser level or string system to ensure a flat surface.
3. Drainage Installation: Lay drainage pipes or gravel layers if necessary. Proper drainage prevents waterlogging and prolongs turf life.
4. Camada de base:
   • Outdoor pitches: Crushed stone or aggregate base compacted in layers.
   • Concrete / rooftop pitches: Ensure proper slope (0.4–0.7%) for drainage.
5. Final Compaction: Use a roller or plate compactor to achieve a firm, stable foundation.

Step 2: Shock Pad Installation (Optional)

• Lay shock pad sheets across the base if your design includes them.
• Join edges tightly to avoid gaps.
• Secure with adhesive or fasteners according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 3: Turf Laying & Joining

1. Roll Out Turf: Position rolls across the field. Allow turf to settle and acclimatize for 12–24 hours if outdoors.
2. Align Seams: Ensure fibers point in the same direction for uniform appearance and ball roll.
3. Join Sections: Apply turf adhesive or seam tape to connect rolls. Press firmly and ensure no gaps exist.
4. Trim Edges: Cut excess turf along boundaries, leaving a clean perimeter for fencing or edging.

Step 4: Infill Application (3G Turf Only)

• Spread sand and/or rubber granules evenly over the surface.
• Brush fibers upright to allow infill to settle between the turf blades.
• Check distribution regularly to ensure consistent ball bounce and shock absorption.

Step 5: Final Inspection & Quality Checks

• Check turf fiber direction, seam adhesion, and infill distribution.
  
• Walk the pitch to detect uneven areas, bumps, or drainage issues.
  
• Test ball roll, bounce, and player safety on high-traffic zones.

Optional Add-ons

Recurso	Propósito
Fencing / ball-stop nets	Contain balls and improve safety
LED lighting	Extend playable hours, especially for commercial venues
Goal posts & benches	Enhance usability and professionalism

Other Considerations for Your Mini Soccer Field

When planning and building your mini soccer pitch, several additional factors can impact usability, safety, and longevity. Paying attention to these ensures you get the best value from your investment.

1. Lighting

• Install LED floodlights to extend playable hours for evening training or commercial rentals.
• Consider energy-efficient fixtures with a minimum of 200 lux for small-sided games.
• Ensure uniform light coverage without glare.

2. Fencing & Ball Control

• Use 2–3 meter high perimeter fencing or ball-stop nets to keep balls contained.
• Protect nearby structures and pedestrians from stray balls.
• Include gates for easy access while maintaining security.

3. Safety & Shock Absorption

• Maintain proper shock pad thickness under the turf to protect players’ joints.
• Check seams and infill regularly to prevent uneven surfaces.
• Keep a clear safety run-off area around the pitch to reduce collision risk.
  

4. Goal Posts & Accessories

• Choose size-appropriate goalposts depending on pitch format (3v3 or 5-a-side).
• Consider movable or retractable goals for flexibility.
• Add benches or shaded seating for players and spectators.
  

5. Weather & UV Protection

• Outdoor pitches require UV-resistant turf to prevent fading and fiber brittleness.
• For extreme climates, consider turf with heat-resistant yarn or reflective infill.
  

6. Maintenance Planning

• Even low-maintenance turf needs brushing, debris removal, and occasional infill topping.
• Establish a routine schedule to maximize lifespan and maintain consistent ball performance.

By accounting for these factors upfront, you ensure your mini soccer pitch is not only playable but also safe, durable, and enjoyable for years to come.

Conclusão

Building a mini soccer pitch is a smart way to maximize limited space while delivering professional-grade play for schools, communities, or private facilities. With the right design, turf selection, installation process, and attention to safety features, you can create a durable, all-weather field that offers excellent performance and low maintenance.

Are you ready to build your mini soccer pitch? Request a free CAD layout and cost estimate today, Mighty Grass design your ideal mini soccer pitch with professional-grade turf systems. With proper planning, your field will deliver a safe, high-performance playing experience for years to come.

Obter um orçamento gratuito

Perguntas frequentes

What is the ideal size for a mini soccer pitch?

The size varies depending on the purpose of the field (training, rental, school, family) and the number of players (e.g., 5v5, 6v6). For example, according to the Football Association (FA) guidelines, the recommended length for a 5v5 or 6v6 pitch is approximately 25-50 meters, and the width is approximately 16.5-35 meters.

When planning, you should determine the final size based on usage frequency, field space, budget, and play requirements.

Can a mini soccer pitch be built on a rooftop or indoor area?

Yes. Many mini soccer pitches can be built on rooftops, old basketball courts, or indoor fields. However, you need to consider additional factors such as roof structural load-bearing capacity, drainage system, indoor ventilation and lighting, and ground levelness.

What are the maintenance requirements for artificial turf used in mini soccer pitches?

While artificial turf requires less maintenance than natural grass, it still needs to be maintained regularly: brushing the grass fibers, removing debris, checking seams, and replenishing infill (if it’s an infill system). In addition, the base drainage and site level should be checked regularly.

How long does a mini soccer pitch last before renovation is required?

Lifespan is affected by turf type, frequency of use, base construction, and maintenance level. Generally, high-quality artificial turf can last 8–12 years with normal use and maintenance, after which it may require replacement or major repairs.

What surface types and base options should I consider for a mini soccer pitch?

Your turf system options include: infill artificial turf (containing sand and rubber granules), non-infill turf, and systems with shock pads. Base options include gravel, asphalt, and concrete. Different combinations suit different site environments (outdoor/indoor/roof), budgets, and play styles.