Our approach and ambition for the future of youth football

Child kicking football

Our Approach

There are two influencing themes that set the background to the changes that will shape our approach to driving change. These focus on Championing Children’s Rights and Promoting the Spirit of the Game.

Championing children's rights

Together we recognise that all children have rights and it’s our responsibility as adults to continually honour these for all children who play football.

Spirit of the game

Equally, importantly we will uphold the Spirit of the Game; not all football looks the same but there’s a spirit that exists whatever the format of play. That spirit is built around the basics of the game, two teams respectfully competing, trying to stop their opponent from scoring whilst themselves trying to score. The emotions we feel and the lessons we learn are a shared experience.

There are two influencing themes that set the background to the changes that will shape our approach to driving change. These focus on Championing Children’s Rights and Promoting the Spirit of the Game.

Championing children's rights

Together we recognise that all children have rights and it’s our responsibility as adults to continually honour these for all children who play football.

Spirit of the game

Equally, importantly we will uphold the Spirit of the Game; not all football looks the same but there’s a spirit that exists whatever the format of play. That spirit is built around the basics of the game, two teams respectfully competing, trying to stop their opponent from scoring whilst themselves trying to score. The emotions we feel and the lessons we learn are a shared experience.

There are four elements that work together to maximise a child’s experience of football:

There are four elements that work together to maximise a child’s experience of football:

Grid of four: 1. Playing opportunities: Giving all children lots of chances to play the game in a variety of different ways. 2, Coaching: Coaches who approach learning and teaching in a way that grows the person and player through the games they play. 3. Environment: Creating safe, fun and inclusive spaces for all children, both on and off the pitch. 4. Parents & carers: Helping parents, carers and families make football the best place for all children.
Grid of four: 1. Playing opportunities: Giving all children lots of chances to play the game in a variety of different ways. 2, Coaching: Coaches who approach learning and teaching in a way that grows the person and player through the games they play. 3. Environment: Creating safe, fun and inclusive spaces for all children, both on and off the pitch. 4. Parents & carers: Helping parents, carers and families make football the best place for all children.
Grid of four: 1. Playing opportunities: Giving all children lots of chances to play the game in a variety of different ways. 2, Coaching: Coaches who approach learning and teaching in a way that grows the person and player through the games they play. 3. Environment: Creating safe, fun and inclusive spaces for all children, both on and off the pitch. 4. Parents & carers: Helping parents, carers and families make football the best place for all children.
Grid of four: 1. Playing opportunities: Giving all children lots of chances to play the game in a variety of different ways. 2, Coaching: Coaches who approach learning and teaching in a way that grows the person and player through the games they play. 3. Environment: Creating safe, fun and inclusive spaces for all children, both on and off the pitch. 4. Parents & carers: Helping parents, carers and families make football the best place for all children.
Grid of four: 1. Playing opportunities: Giving all children lots of chances to play the game in a variety of different ways. 2, Coaching: Coaches who approach learning and teaching in a way that grows the person and player through the games they play. 3. Environment: Creating safe, fun and inclusive spaces for all children, both on and off the pitch. 4. Parents & carers: Helping parents, carers and families make football the best place for all children.

To maximise a child’s experience of football we will strive to positively impact upon these four elements whilst championing Children’s rights and promoting the Spirit of the Game. This will:

To maximise a child’s experience of football we will strive to positively impact upon these four elements whilst championing Children’s rights and promoting the Spirit of the Game. This will:

Grid of four, with photos of children playing football: Grid item 1: Encourage the joy of being physically active, to support happy, healthy lives. Grid item 2: Develop more skilful players who reach their footballing potential. Grid item 3: Set young people up to thrive inside and outside of football. Grid item 4: Grow a life-long attachment to the game for more people.
Grid of four, with photos of children playing football: Grid item 1: Encourage the joy of being physically active, to support happy, healthy lives. Grid item 2: Develop more skilful players who reach their footballing potential. Grid item 3: Set young people up to thrive inside and outside of football. Grid item 4: Grow a life-long attachment to the game for more people.
Grid of four, with photos of children playing football: Grid item 1: Encourage the joy of being physically active, to support happy, healthy lives. Grid item 2: Develop more skilful players who reach their footballing potential. Grid item 3: Set young people up to thrive inside and outside of football. Grid item 4: Grow a life-long attachment to the game for more people.
Grid of four, with photos of children playing football: Grid item 1: Encourage the joy of being physically active, to support happy, healthy lives. Grid item 2: Develop more skilful players who reach their footballing potential. Grid item 3: Set young people up to thrive inside and outside of football. Grid item 4: Grow a life-long attachment to the game for more people.
Grid of four, with photos of children playing football: Grid item 1: Encourage the joy of being physically active, to support happy, healthy lives. Grid item 2: Develop more skilful players who reach their footballing potential. Grid item 3: Set young people up to thrive inside and outside of football. Grid item 4: Grow a life-long attachment to the game for more people.

The Future Ambition

Our ambition for the future is to explore more ways to make children’s experience of the game even greater. 

We will continue working with the game to develop changes to give children more chances to play in different ways. We’re exploring how we structure seasons, deliver competition and use the football formats to keep players playing and enjoying the game for longer. There will be further consultation and information to come about this.

Child football player putting on shoes

Key Milestones:

  • There will be a series of conferences to support Leagues, Clubs and Coaches

    • November 2025
    Future Fit: Digital Conference – Leagues

    March 2026
    Future Fit: Digital Conference – Clubs

    May 2026
    Future Fit: Digital Conference – Coaches

    Key Milestones

  • There will be a series of conferences to support Leagues, Clubs and Coaches

    • November 2025
    Leagues Conference

    March 2026
    Clubs Conference

    May 2026
    Coaches Conference

    FAQs:

    (See All FAQs here)

    Do children enjoy playing 3v3?

    Yes. U7 players have told us they do, and coaches have said the players have embraced it.

    TELL ME MORE

    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.

    TELL ME MORE

    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.

    TELL ME MORE

    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.

    TELL ME MORE
    Top Built with Shorthand