Outdoor & Active Play
Franklin Sports Blackhawk Portable Soccer Goal Review: Pop-Up Practice Made Easy
- Brand:
- Franklin Sports
- Ages:
- 5-12 years
- Updated:
- 2026-08-06
The verdict
The Blackhawk goal is exactly what it claims to be — a fast-setup, genuinely portable practice goal that a kid can carry and pack away themselves — and owners consistently back that up with praise for wind resistance and ease of use, though the single included net means factoring in an eventual replacement cost.
Pros
- Pop-up, fold-flat design sets up in seconds and packs into an included carry bag for the park, beach, or backyard
- Sturdy fiberglass frame reported by owners to hold up through heavy wind and rough weather
- Affordable entry point into backyard soccer practice, with larger sizes available if a family wants to size up
- Light enough that reviewers note even a 7-year-old can carry it between the yard and storage on their own
Cons
- Ships with only one net, so a torn or snapped net means buying a replacement or an entirely new goal
- The smaller 4' x 3' size is really built for backyard practice, not full-sided games with older kids
- Like any pop-up goal, it can shift or tip in strong wind without extra stakes or ground anchors
This review is based on Franklin Sports' published specifications for the Blackhawk Portable Soccer Goal line and the consistent themes across owner reviews on Walmart, Amazon, and Dick's Sporting Goods, where the goal is sold in several sizes on the same basic design.
Pop-up convenience that actually holds up
The main appeal is genuinely fast setup and teardown — the goal pops into shape and folds flat into a carry bag without tools, which matters for families who want to bring it to different locations rather than leave a permanent goal in the yard. Reviewers specifically note it's withstood heavy wind and storms better than expected for a lightweight pop-up design.
Sized for practice, not full games
At 4' x 3', this is a practice-sized goal aimed at younger kids working on shooting accuracy, not a regulation goal for older kids playing full-sided games — Franklin sells larger Blackhawk sizes for that purpose. The single included net is also worth noting, since a torn net means a separate purchase rather than a simple part swap.
Who it's for
Best for kids roughly 5-12 doing backyard or park shooting practice, especially families who want something portable enough to move between locations. Less suited to older kids or teams wanting a full regulation-size goal for actual games — size up to a larger Blackhawk model for that.
Frequently asked
- How quickly does it set up?
- It's a pop-up design that springs into shape in seconds without tools, and folds flat again for storage or transport in the included carry bag.
- Does it come with a net?
- Yes, one net is included, but it's the only one in the box — a torn or snapped net means a replacement purchase rather than a spare being on hand.
- Is it stable in wind?
- Owners report it holds up well through heavy wind and storms for a lightweight pop-up goal, though staking it down adds extra security in exposed areas.
- Is the Franklin Sports Blackhawk Soccer Goal worth buying?
- Yes, for affordable, portable backyard soccer practice — the pop-up setup and reported wind resistance make it a practical choice for younger kids. It's less worth it for older kids wanting a full regulation-size goal, where a larger Blackhawk model fits better.
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