A high performing indoor soccer field design depends on FIFA grade turf, properly sized rebound walls, durable dasher boards or glass panels, correct field dimensions for 5v5 or small sided play, and a layout that supports both athlete performance and business revenue. MTJ SPORTS® specializes in designing and building these systems for operators across North America, from single field conversions to full multi field soccer centers.
Opening an indoor soccer facility is an exciting venture, but the difference between a mediocre facility and one that players keep coming back to often comes down to design decisions made before construction even begins. Field dimensions, turf quality, wall systems, and layout all affect how the game feels, how safe it is, and ultimately how much revenue the facility generates.
If you are researching indoor soccer field design or planning a 5 a side soccer field design for a new or existing space, this guide walks through the features that matter most. It also explains why so many facility owners turn to MTJ SPORTS® for consulting, design, and full turnkey construction.
What makes indoor soccer field design different from outdoor design?
Indoor facilities operate under a completely different set of constraints than outdoor pitches. Ceiling height, available square footage, HVAC systems, lighting, and acoustics all play a role in how the space performs. Unlike an open field, an indoor soccer field has to account for ball rebound off walls, sound control for players and spectators, and a layout that fits an existing building footprint rather than a blank plot of land.
This is why indoor soccer field construction often starts with a site assessment rather than a standard template. A building that once housed a warehouse or big box retailer might need reinforced flooring, adjusted lighting, or a modified drainage plan before any turf goes down. MTJ SPORTS® works with operators to convert and upgrade existing indoor facilities, in some cases helping increase revenue and profits up to three times per field by improving the design and player experience.
What are the standard indoor soccer field dimensions for 5v5 play?
One of the most common questions from new facility owners involves indoor soccer field dimensions. Unlike full sized outdoor pitches, small sided and 5 a side fields come in a range of sizes to match available space and player age groups. Common configurations include 3v3, 4v4, 5v5, 6v6, and 7v7 fields, each requiring different widths, lengths, and buffer zones around the perimeter.
There is no single universal dimension because facility layouts vary so much. A converted warehouse space might support two 5v5 fields side by side, while a larger new construction project could accommodate a mix of field sizes to serve different leagues and age groups at once. This flexibility is part of why custom design matters so much for indoor soccer field builders. Choosing dimensions without a professional assessment often leads to wasted space or fields that feel cramped during actual play.
For operators exploring their options, reviewing available soccer field configurations can help clarify what fits a given building footprint.
Why does turf quality matter so much for a 5 a side field?
Turf is arguably the single most important physical component of any indoor soccer field. Cheap or poorly rated turf wears unevenly, affects ball roll, and increases injury risk over time. FIFA grade soccer turf, by contrast, is engineered to meet consistent standards for ball response, shock absorption, and durability under heavy repeated use.
MTJ SPORTS® offers FIFA quality indoor synthetic turf in both infilled and non infilled options, allowing facility owners to choose the surface that best matches their play style and maintenance preferences. Infilled turf tends to offer a more natural ball roll similar to grass, while non infilled systems often require less maintenance and drain differently. The right choice depends on expected usage volume, budget, and the type of play the facility will host, whether that is casual pickup games, structured leagues, or training academies.
How do rebound walls and dasher boards affect gameplay?
Rebound walls are what separate indoor soccer from its outdoor counterpart. Because the ball stays in play off the walls, the quality and placement of dasher boards, netting, and wall padding directly shapes how fast and physical the game feels.
A well designed wall system needs to account for ball rebound angles, player safety during collisions, and long term durability against constant impact. Poorly built walls can warp, crack, or create unpredictable bounces that frustrate players and shorten the lifespan of the facility. This is one reason MTJ SPORTS® offers complete systems kits that include rebound walls, netting, goals, and turf together as a coordinated package rather than mismatched components sourced separately.
Should a facility include glass walls or divider systems?
Tempered glass walls have become increasingly popular in newer indoor soccer facilities, and for good reason. Glass panels increase visibility for spectators and parents watching from outside the field, which adds a social and community element that plain dasher boards cannot replicate. They also tend to give a facility a more modern, premium feel that can support higher rental rates.
Field divider systems serve a different but related purpose. For multi field centers, dividers allow operators to run multiple games simultaneously without interference, or to reconfigure a large space into smaller fields depending on the day’s bookings. Both glass walls and divider systems are part of the broader indoor soccer field construction options that MTJ SPORTS® provides as part of its design and build services.
How does facility layout impact revenue beyond the field itself?
A common mistake among first time facility owners is designing purely around the field and forgetting the spaces around it. Food and beverage areas, a pro shop, and lounge seating all contribute meaningfully to a facility’s bottom line, sometimes generating as much ongoing revenue as field rentals themselves.
Scoreboards and bleachers also matter more than they might initially seem. They signal to players and league organizers that a facility is serious about the game experience, which helps with retention and word of mouth referrals. When planning indoor soccer field design, it helps to think of the project holistically rather than focusing only on turf and walls. This is part of why many operators work with a single design build partner rather than piecing together contractors for each component separately.
Facilities interested in exploring the fuller range of available features, from scoreboards to lounge areas, can review MTJ Sports’ soccer field services for a sense of what a complete build typically includes.
What should a facility owner look for in indoor soccer field builders?
Not every contractor who installs turf understands the specific demands of 5 a side soccer. Experienced indoor soccer field builders bring more than installation skills. They bring knowledge of ball dynamics, facility flow, staff culture, and player experience that shapes whether a facility thrives or struggles after opening day.
When evaluating potential builders, facility owners should ask about experience with similar sized projects, available turf and wall system options, warranty terms, and whether the company offers full turnkey services or only partial installation. A builder who can manage everything from initial consulting through final construction reduces the coordination headaches that often come with juggling multiple vendors.
MTJ SPORTS® positions itself as a one stop supplier for small sided and 5v5 soccer field systems, working alongside consultants, engineers, and architects to guide projects from concept through completion. For operators who eventually want to expand into other sports, the company’s multi sports facility experience with futsal, basketball, volleyball, padel, tennis, pickleball, lacrosse, baseball, and softball can also support long term facility growth under one roof.
Bringing a facility from concept to completion
Designing a high performing indoor soccer field involves far more than picking a patch of turf and putting up some walls. Field dimensions, turf grade, wall systems, glass panel placement, and even the layout of a lounge or pro shop all influence whether a facility becomes a community hub or just another empty building with some paint on the floor.
For operators ready to move forward, working with an experienced partner from the earliest planning stages tends to prevent costly redesigns later. MTJ SPORTS® offers free consulting for facility owners exploring their first project or planning an upgrade to an existing space, and its portfolio of completed projects can be seen in the company’s photo gallery for a closer look at real world builds.
Facility owners weighing options beyond soccer, such as adding pickleball courts, tennis courts, or padel courts to diversify revenue streams, can also explore those service pages to see how a multi sport approach might fit into a broader facility plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical cost of building an indoor 5 a side soccer field?
Costs vary significantly based on building size, turf type, wall systems, and whether the project involves new construction or a facility conversion. A free consultation with a design build company like MTJ SPORTS® is typically the fastest way to get an accurate estimate for a specific space.
How long does indoor soccer field construction usually take?
Timelines depend on project scope, ranging from several weeks for a single field conversion to a few months for a full multi field center with additional amenities like glass walls, scoreboards, and lounge areas.
Can an existing building be converted into an indoor soccer facility?
Yes. Many indoor soccer centers are built inside former warehouses or retail spaces. Converting an existing structure often requires assessing flooring, ceiling height, and drainage before installing turf and wall systems.
What field sizes are available for small sided soccer?
Common configurations include 3v3, 4v4, 5v5, 6v6, and 7v7 fields. The right size depends on available square footage, target age groups, and league format.
Does MTJ SPORTS® only build soccer fields?
No. While indoor and outdoor soccer fields are a core specialty, MTJ SPORTS® also designs and builds pickleball, tennis, and padel courts, along with multi-sport facilities that combine several sports under one roof.
For facility owners ready to discuss a specific project, contacting the MTJ Sports team is the most direct way to get started on a custom design.