Maintenance Tips for Football Nets & Goals: The Ultimate Guide

Whether you're a multi-sports facility or a professional club, this ultimate guide will give you our maintenance tips for football nets and goals to ensure safety, performance, and longevity for your equipment.

From folding goals to socketed, each type of football net and goal has different maintenance techniques to adhere to. By the end, you'll be a master of maintenance.

If you want to get ahead and browse some of our high-quality football nets and goals themselves, we have a selection below. Add to your basket today for exceptional products at exceptional value!

 

  1. 60mm OD Aluminium folding goal
    60mm OD Aluminium folding goals
    From: £756.00 Incl. VAT
  2. self weighted
    Self Weighted Aluminium Football Goals - 80mm OD
    From: £1,821.53 Incl. VAT
  3. Socketed Elliptical Aluminium Football Goals
    Socketed Aluminium Elliptical Football Goals
    From: £1,083.60 Incl. VAT

  1. UEFA Regulation Box Nets
    UEFA Regulation Box Nets
    From: £164.90 Incl. VAT
  2. Wembley Style Football Goal Nets, White - 3mm
    Wembley Style Football Goal Nets, White - 3mm
    From: £66.29 Incl. VAT
  3. Club 2.5mm Goal Nets
    Edwards 'Club' Football Goal Nets, White - 2.5mm
    From: £121.84 Incl. VAT


Maintenance for: Folding Football Goals

If you have a folding goal, which is mostly used for schools, training grounds, or indoor/outdoor facilities with limited storage space, you'll likely be moving it around a lot, thanks to its handy mobile features.

  1. 60mm OD Aluminium folding goal
    60mm OD Aluminium folding goals
    From: £756.00 Incl. VAT

A folding goal is usually used when it needs to be packed away at the end of each game, so before you put it into storage, you'll want to carry out some maintenance in case it's faulty for the next game. Here are our tips:

What to Monitor

• Stiff folding hinges: Use a non-greasy silicone spray to lubricate moving parts if needed.

• Locking fixings: Folding goals depend on fixings to stay upright. Before every use, check that these are present, free from rust, and securely fastened.

• Frame joints and welds: Visually check for stress cracks or misalignment every time the goal is folded or unfolded.

• Nets, hooks and fixings: Since nets often snag during folding, check for frayed areas and re-tie any loose cords. Repair damaged nets early to prevent further tearing. You should also check that all hooks and attachments are intact.


Where & How to Store

After each match, store in a dry, well-ventilated area free from damp and mould. If your storage area often gets cold and damp or is small, we recommend getting a dehumidifier.

To prevent bending or denting the frame, avoid stacking goals directly on top of each other. You could consider wall-mounted brackets or goal dollies to keep it off the ground.


Maintenance for: Socketed Football Goals

Socketed goals are heavy-duty fixed installations that are mostly used in professional settings, like high-profile clubs or training grounds.

  1. Steel Socketed Heavyweight Football Goals - 76mm
    Steel Socketed Heavyweight Football Goals - 76mm
    From: £1,032.00 Incl. VAT

While you can't move these goals, there are still some ways to maintain them and extend their lifespan. Here are our tips:

What to Monitor

• Ground sockets: Remove debris like leaves, soil, or sand that may have accumulated around the sockets. Use a small socket brush to clear inside. Check for standing water, as this can lead to corrosion.

• Upright posts and crossbars: Give the posts a firm shake test monthly. There should be no movement within the socket. If loose, inspect the internal sleeve and tighten the frame.

• Net fixings: Check for any missing or broken net fixings. Replace them promptly, as uneven tension can distort the goal’s shape or lead to net sagging.

• Paint and powder coating: Chipped paint can cause rust, and if you leave chips on show, your goal will look unprofessional, which isn't ideal for high-profile venues. Touch up any chips using goal-safe white touch-up paint to prevent rust from spreading.


  1. White Goalpost Touch Up Paint (400ml)
    White Goalpost Touch Up Paint (400ml)
    £35.95 Incl. VAT

When & How to Cover

During the off-season or when you don't use your football goal for a long period, you should try to cover it with a tarpaulin.

Although Edwards Sports football goal posts and nets are designed to be tough against the elements, you can prolong your goals' life by covering them in extreme weather.


Maintenance for: Self-Weighted Free-Standing Football Goals

A self-weighted free-standing goal is another great mobile option for 3G pitches and multi-use sports facilities. The added Edwards EasyLever Wheels make playing on multiple surfaces extremely easy, without having to drag your goal across hard surfaces.

  1. self weighted
    Self Weighted Aluminium Football Goals - 80mm OD
    From: £1,821.53 Incl. VAT

The additional weight added to the goal provides enough counterbalance so that it doesn't need extra anchoring like ground hoops, conforming to the latest safety standards.

To ensure your goal remains safe and intact, you should take note of our maintenance tips:

What to Monitor

• Built-in weight compartments: The built-in weights should be tightly secured. Look for cracks or movement in the weighted box sections. For integrated counterbalance bars, check the fixing bolts and welds.

• Wheel assemblies: If the goal includes wheels for portability, clear debris regularly. Rotate each wheel manually to check for drag or stiffness; any loose wheels should be tightened.

• Net stability: Because these goals are often repositioned, ensure the net remains properly tensioned after each move. This might mean using net supports.


  1. Solid Continental Net Supports for Steel Goals
    Solid Continental Net Supports for Steel Goals (set 4)
    £198.00 Incl. VAT
  2. Image for Continental Net Supports for Small Sided Goals (set 4)
    Continental Net Supports for Small Sided Goals (set 4)
    £158.68 Incl. VAT
  3. Image for Continental Net Supports for Aluminium Goals (set 4)
    Continental Net Supports for Aluminium Goals (set 4)
    £259.69 Incl. VAT

  1. Steel Hinged Bottom Net Frame
    Steel Hinged Bottom Net Frame
    £393.42 Incl. VAT
  2. Heavyweight UEFA Freehanging Net Supports
    Heavyweight UEFA Freehanging Net Supports
    £462.84 Incl. VAT
  3. Continental Net Supports for Steel Goals
    Continental Net Supports for Steel Goals (set 4)
    £158.57 Incl. VAT

Where & How to Store

You should make use of your Edwards EasyLever Wheels to manoeuvre your goal into storage through the off-season or during periods of minimal use.

As you won't be able to fold away your self-weighted, free-standing goal, you'll need adequate storage space without it causing a hindrance to other users.

If you don't have the means to store your goal inside, we recommend covering it with a tarpaulin outdoors to protect it from the weather.


Browse Our Self-Weighted Football Goals


Maintenance for: Free-Standing Football Goals

Free-standing goals that need anchoring are a popular choice for grassroots football clubs, non-permanent setups, and rotating training sessions because they’re mobile.

Additional internal weights can be supplied to these portable goal posts to make them self-weighted, meaning there will be no need for extra anchoring.

While free-standing goals are only temporary options for clubs, they still need to be maintained to keep them fit for purpose. Here's what you need to know:

What to Monitor

• Base structure: With constant movement, base frames can warp or bend. Instead of dragging the goal, you should use a trolley for ease of transportation to avoid damage to the equipment.

• Anchoring methods: Never use freestanding goals without anchoring. Regularly check for worn or damaged anchors. If using sandbags, inspect for tears or leaks. For U-pegs, check for rust or bending and replace as needed.

• Net attachment systems: Nets can snag during transport or catch on uneven surfaces. Choose braided polyethylene nets for high durability, and inspect tie cords for tension and wear.


  1. Goal Trolleys
    Goal Trolleys (set 4)
    £1,312.92 Incl. VAT

Where & How to Store

Using your goal trolley, you should take your goal to an adequate storage unit at your facility. We don't recommend leaving these goals outside, as the anchors could become weak over time, which could lead to damaged equipment.

Instead, leave your goal in a dry area, covering it if you won't be using it for a while to prevent debris.


General Football Net & Goal Maintenance Advice

There are some maintenance tasks that apply to every football net and goal, so we've broken them down below.

If you need to know how to clean your equipment, we've also explained the process below.

• Keep a maintenance log (you can use a spreadsheet or wall chart), including dates, staff initials, findings, and actions taken.

• To ensure warranty compliance and safety standards (e.g. EN 748), replace any damaged nets, fixings, or structural components with official Edwards Sports parts.

• Perform pre-match safety checks before every use – look for missing fastenings, stability issues, and visible damage.

• Encourage staff to look out for unsafe features and report them to the facility manager or groundskeeper.


How to Clean Your Football Goal Frame

Before cleaning the frame, detach any nets, supports, or fixings if possible; this will give you better access to the posts.

Then, use a hose or bucket of clean water to clean down the frame, getting rid of any mud, bird droppings, grass, or other debris. This will make the actual cleaning much easier.

You'll then want to mix some warm water with a mild detergent, but make sure it doesn't contain bleach, as this can affect powder coating or other finishes.

Use a sponge or cloth to wipe the posts down using the solution. All surfaces should be covered here, including the crossbar, uprights, and corners. If corners are particularly hard to clean (dirt can easily build up here), use a soft-bristle brush.

After cleaning, rinse again with fresh water to remove residue, and dry the frame with a micro-fibre towel.

If you're storing it afterwards, be sure the frame is completely dry.


How to Clean Your Football Net

To clean your football net effectively, remove it from the goal and place it on a large, clean surface. This could be a patch of dry grass, tarpaulin, or a smooth court surface.

Brush off any immediate, loose debris you see, and begin hosing down the net.

Once you've hosed off all the debris and dirt you can, go in with the same solution you made for your goal frame, and begin sponging out the tougher stains on the net. For soiled areas, it's okay to scrub slightly.

Rinse the soap off with the hose again, and when you're happy, hang the netting to air-dry, using pegs to hold it up on a washing line or rope, avoiding direct sunlight where possible.

Once the net is completely dry, you can put it into your football net storage area. If you do so when wet, you might notice a strong odour or mould forming.


Why Buying High-Quality Nets Makes Maintenance Easier

Starting off with a high-quality product, like football nets and goal frames from us here at Edwards, you automatically make maintenance easier and cheaper.

You'll need to carry out fewer repairs, cleaning will be more efficient, and you'll need to make less replacements, thanks to the longevity of our products.


How to Choose a Reliable Sports Equipment Supplier for Your Facility


We take great pride in crafting our sports equipment from premium materials, with 100% precision, while adhering to all safety requirements.

This means our football nets and goal frames are durable, weather-resistant, and provide optimal performance for many seasons to come.

We’ve supplied our equipment to the likes of Tottenham Hotspur FC, Arsenal FC, Hull City FC, and many more, showing our commitment to quality and reliability.

If you'd like to order one of our professional football nets or goals today, check out our selection below or browse our football section!

  1. Image for Bespoke Goal Net
    Bespoke Goal Net
    £POA Incl. VAT
  2. White Football Nets For Elliptical Freestanding & Self Weighted Goals
    White Football Nets For Elliptical Freestanding & Self Weighted Goals
    From: £96.54 Incl. VAT
  3. Image for World Cup 4.5mm Goal Nets
    Heavy-Duty World Cup Football Goal Nets - 4.5mm Braided Polyethylene
    From: £96.54 Incl. VAT

  1. self weighted goal with easy lever wheels
    Aluminium Football Goals, Self-weighted - 100mm OD
    From: £2,607.05 Incl. VAT
  2. Elliptical Aluminium Freestanding Football Goals
    Elliptical Aluminium Freestanding Football Goals
    From: £2,052.00 Incl. VAT
  3. Image for Standard 60mm Steel Socketed Football Goal
    Steel Football Goals, Socketed - 60mm OD
    From: £1,032.00 Incl. VAT


Conclusion: Keeping Up With Your Football Net & Goal Post Maintenance

As long as you implement an effective maintenance regime at your club or facility, keeping up with maintenance on your football nets and goals will be easy.

Be sure to get players and staff on board with your maintenance needs, and ensure they carry out the necessary tasks to extend the life of your football equipment.

Unnecessary, costly repairs and replacements can be avoided with strong maintenance knowledge and a solid routine.

If you'd like to find out how to reduce your sports maintenance costs, please head to our blog post, where we'll give you the details on how to be more economical!

If you'd like to shop any of the products we've talked about today, please check out our selection below. With over 130 years in the sporting equipment industry, we know a thing or two about high-quality, long-lasting products for your facility.

  1. White Goalpost Touch Up Paint (400ml)
    White Goalpost Touch Up Paint (400ml)
    £35.95 Incl. VAT
  2. Goal Trolleys
    Goal Trolleys (set 4)
    £1,312.92 Incl. VAT
  3. Image for Bespoke Goal Net
    Bespoke Goal Net
    £POA Incl. VAT

  1. Image for MK2 Lever Lift Puncture Proof Wheels (set 8)
    MK2 Lever Lift Puncture Proof Wheels (set 8)
    £519.62 Incl. VAT
  2. Image for Standard 60mm Steel Socketed Football Goal
    Steel Football Goals, Socketed - 60mm OD
    From: £1,032.00 Incl. VAT
  3. Image for World Cup 4.5mm Goal Nets
    Heavy-Duty World Cup Football Goal Nets - 4.5mm Braided Polyethylene
    From: £96.54 Incl. VAT


FAQs

Can You Wash Football Nets in a Washing Machine?

We don't recommend washing your Edwards Sports football nets in the washing machine.

This is because they're made from materials like knotted or braided polyethylene or polypropylene, which are extremely durable when used outside, but a machine wash can cause fraying, tangles, and weaken any UV treatments.

How Long Do Football Nets Last?

The lifespan of a football net will vary depending on how frequently you use your net and how you care for it.

Edwards Sports football nets are designed to be extremely durable and long-lasting, but you should carry out maintenance on your net properly to prevent unnecessary repairs and replacements.

This means cleaning it after use, inspecting it frequently, and storing it while it's not in use. Find out more details in the blog post above!

How Do You Clean Goal Nets?

To clean your football goal net, you should lay it on the ground, ensuring it's spread out evenly. Once you've done this, you can brush off any loose dirt or debris.

Next, mix warm water with a mild detergent (no bleach) and gently sponge down the net. When you think it's as clean as possible, hose down the net with water.

Finally, you should hang your net to air dry to avoid it sitting in a damp puddle and sagging unevenly. Only when it's completely dry can you put your net into storage or attach it back to your posts.

Can Edwards Sports Help With My Football Net & Goal Maintenance?

Absolutely! Good maintenance starts with the products themselves, and where we produce high-quality, long-lasting products with exceptional materials at great value, maintenance is much easier.

When the product quality is high, there will be less need for constant maintenance, repairs, and even replacements. With Edwards, you'll get to keep your net in excellent condition season after season.

We also offer products to help make your maintenance more efficient, like our Goal Trolleys for swift transportation without damaging your goals, net supports to give nets the proper tension and shape, as well as various attachments, replacement sockets and caps, net repair twine, and more!