What are the changes in youth football?
Changes that are coming from 2026/27 onwards include:
- The introduction of 3v3 as the entry format for U7s.
- Smaller formats played for longer, with 11v11 introduced for U14s.
- Changes to game restarts so the ball is in play for longer.
All of these changes result from The FA’s new Youth Development Framework, and reflect our ambition to explore with you more ways to make children’s experience of football even better. These may include how we structure seasons, deliver competition, and introduce new playing formats.
“It helps build up the ability and the enjoyment at the same time.”
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