Tailoring youth football to fit even better, and mean even more for all young players in England.
FutureFit. For their best start in football.
Youth Football is now even better
From the start of the 26/27 new changes to youth football have now come into effect. Here’s everything you, your players and your club need to prepare for the improvements.
Grounded in enjoyment
We’ve spoken to the grassroots community. Conducted months of research. Consulted the best minds in the game. The results were clear. We need to give every child better opportunities to learn, develop and grow by putting their skills and playing experience first.
FutureFit. For their best start in football.
Youth Football is now even better
From the start of the 26/27 new changes to youth football have now come into effect. Here’s everything you, your players and your club need to prepare for the improvements.
Grounded in enjoyment
We’ve spoken to the grassroots community. Conducted months of research. Consulted the best minds in the game. The results were clear. We need to give every child better opportunities to learn, develop and grow by putting their skills and playing experience first.
Grounded in enjoyment
We’ve spoken to the grassroots community. Conducted months of research. Consulted the best minds in the game. The results were clear. We need to give every child better opportunities to learn, develop and grow by putting their skills and playing experience first.
Key Changes
We’ve rigorously tested the changes to keep evolving Youth Football to be fit for our children.
We are leading the way to shape the game to be the best fit possible for the next generation to thrive as both people and players.
The following changes have been implemented from the start of the 2026/2027 season.
3v3 Introduced
3v3 is the entry format for players at U7s so they get to be more involved in the play and have the best introduction to football.
Smaller Formats Maintained
Smaller formats make players move more, in more technical ways. 11v11 is introduced at U14s so players get to play smaller formats for longer.
Evolving the Laws of the Game
Game restarts adjust so there’s more ball in play time, and more complex rules are added as players go into secondary education. This way, the rules are age appropriate for the right format and support every child’s development.
3v3 Introduced
3v3 is the entry format for players at U7s so they get to be more involved in the play and have the best introduction to football.
Smaller Formats Maintained
Smaller formats make players move more, in more technical ways. 11v11 is introduced at U14s so players get to play smaller formats for longer.
Evolving the Laws of the Game
Game restarts adjust so there’s more ball in play time, and more complex rules are added as players go into secondary education. This way, the rules are age appropriate for the right format and support every child’s development.
FutureFit Voices
What do parents and coaches who have already seen what 3v3 means in action have to say about the changes?
Find Out More
1
Watch FutureFit: Digital Conference for Clubs and Coaches, and the FutureFit Digital Event
Bring yourself up to date with the changes to Youth Football.
2
Information for Schools.
Bring yourself up to speed on all the information required for schools. If you need further support reach out to your County FA, or see below for further steps.
Remember, it's important to ensure safeguards are always in place. You can find out more here.
3
Check out Your Questions Answered if you have any questions right now, like ‘Will we need to have more teams to play 3v3?’
4
Know Your Formats guide.
A simple, interactive guide that explains every grassroots football format in one place
5
3v3 Goals Package.
A bespoke 3v3 Goal Package supplied by the Football Foundation was launched to provide goals for relevant leagues and clubs. For all information and to apply, visit the Football Foundation site here.
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