There I was, enjoying my Saturday morning coffee and pretending to read the news, when my child burst in with that familiar gleam in their eye - the one that usually means my wallet is about to get lighter. They'd discovered the Franklin Sports Kids Backyard Soccer Set on some YouTube channel where kids apparently live in mansions with perfectly manicured lawns. I set down my mug, opened a new browser tab, and prepared for another round of "But ALL the cool kids have one, Dad."

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Kid
Dad, we NEED this soccer set! It has TWO goals and everything! We could have the most epic matches in our backyard and I could practice my shots and maybe even become the next Messi!
Dad
Slow down there, future soccer star. Let me take a look at this life-changing piece of sporting equipment.
Kid
It's perfect! Look, it even has a carrying bag! We could take it to the park and challenge other families! We'd be legendary!
Dad
Well, it's... definitely a soccer set. Two goals, some stakes, a bag. Nothing wrong with it, nothing particularly amazing about it either.

What Is It?

The Franklin Sports Kids Backyard Soccer Set is exactly what it sounds like - two pop-up goals that you stake into the ground so your kid can pretend they're playing at the World Cup instead of in your slightly patchy backyard. It comes with a carrying case because apparently lugging soccer goals around is now a thing parents do. It's the automotive equivalent of a beige sedan - functional, uninspiring, gets the job done.

What Does the Internet Think?

With 4.4 stars from nearly 9,000 reviews, this set sits comfortably in "fine, I guess" territory. Parents praise its durability and ease of setup, while others mention it's nothing special but does exactly what you'd expect from two fabric goals and some plastic stakes. The reviews read like a collective shrug - nobody's thrilled, nobody's disappointed, everyone's just... satisfied enough. ★★★★☆ across 8,900 reviews.

😐 Meh.
★★★★☆ 4.4 stars  ·  8,900 reviews

Look, your kid will kick balls at these goals, they'll stay upright (mostly), and you'll pack them away in that convenient carrying case after use. It's the definition of MEH - not bad enough to return, not good enough to recommend enthusiastically. It's like that reliable friend who shows up to every party but never brings anything interesting to the conversation. Your backyard will have soccer goals, your kid will be marginally more active, and you'll have spent money on something that works exactly as advertised without any surprises good or bad.

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💡 We Have Something Like That At Home

Pool noodles and lawn chairs
Create your own goals with stuff you probably already have lying around - infinitely more creative and costs nothing.
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