Using Infrared Technology to detect an object ping through a goal?

Is it possible to set up an Infrared detector that could detect when an object pes it (like a goal in sports)? If so what type of parts would be required to make it work? I'm working on a school project and ideally I would like to be able to get a light to illuminate when the object pes the detector. So i was just wondering if it was possible? and if so how could i set it up?