Tailoring youth football to fit even better, and mean even more for all young players in England.
FUTUREFIT: DIGITAL CONFERENCE FOR CLUBS
Register for our online conference today. Here you can join club officials, those involved in running clubs and others in the grassroots football community to learn all about the changes – including the new 3v3, 5v5 and 7v7 playing formats – and what they mean to you, your players and your club. Also:
- Get all the information you need to be able to plan for the changes
- See all the support we’re offering
- Hear how others are getting ready
FutureFit. For their best start in football.
Youth Football is getting even better
We’re ready for the exciting changes coming to Youth Football ahead of the 2026/27 season. Now 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 getting even better
We’re ready for the exciting changes coming to Youth Football ahead of the 2026/27 season. Now 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 Voices
What do parents and coaches who have already seen what 3v3 means in action have to say about the changes?
Getting Prepared
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO NOW
1
Register for FutureFit: Digital Conference for Clubs, which is taking place Monday 16 March to Wednesday 18 March.
It will bring you up to date with the changes coming to Youth Football and what you need to do to be prepared.
2
Decide which Future Fit playing formats your club or school will offer.
Once you’re fully up to speed on all the detail begin to plan for how you will implement the changes for the 2026/27 season. If you need further support reach out to your County FA, or see below for further steps.
3
Check out Your Questions Answered if you have any questions right now, like ‘Will we need to have more teams to play 3v3?’
Key Changes
Out of this theory, we’ve rigorously tested the changes to keep evolving Youth Football to be fit for our children.
We’ll all be 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 to playing opportunities will be made in the 2026/2027 season.
Introduce 3v3
3v3 will be the entry format for players at U7s so they get to be more involved in the play and have the best introduction to football.
Maintain Smaller Formats
Smaller formats make players move more, in more technical ways. 11v11 will now be introduced at U14s so players get to play smaller formats for longer.
Evolve the Laws of the Game
We’ll adjust game restarts so there’s more ball in play time, and more complex rules will be added as players go into secondary education. This way, the rules are age appropriate for the right format and support every child’s development.
Introduce 3v3
3v3 will be the entry format for players at U7s so they get to be more involved in the play and have the best introduction to football.
Maintain Smaller Formats
Smaller formats make players move more, in more technical ways. 11v11 will now be introduced at U14s so players get to play smaller formats for longer.
Evolve the Laws of the Game
We’ll adjust game restarts so there’s more ball in play time, and more complex rules will be added as players go into secondary education. This way, the rules are age appropriate for the right format and support every child’s development.
Learn more
Over the next 12 months, we will continue to support and educate the game on the new changes to be introduced so everyone is fully prepared for the start of the 2026-27 season. Check here for more information on the support on offer.
Future Fit: Online Event
To help you understand these changes in more detail, we hosted an Online Event with key experts discussing everything you need to know.
Learn more
Over the next 12 months, we will continue to support and educate the game on the new changes to be introduced so everyone is fully prepared for the start of the 2026-27 season. Check here for more information on the support on offer.
Future Fit: Online Event
To help you understand these changes in more detail, we hosted an Online Event with key experts discussing everything you need to know.
FAQs:
Do children enjoy playing 3v3?
Yes. U7 players have told us they do, and coaches have said the players have embraced it.
Where can I find out more about the changes to youth football?
The FutureFit Digital Content Hub is the best place for the latest information.
How do I start 3v3?
We have lots of time to get prepared. There will be resources and support provided so the game will be ready for the change.
Why are changes being made to youth football?
It's about providing a safe, enjoyable and active game with more touches of the ball for every child.
Built with Shorthand