The Roadmap
Stay in the know with all the changes to youth football.
This is the place you can come to for regular updates, news and resources to help you understand what’s changing and how to get ready for it.
The Roadmap
Stay in the know with all the changes to youth football.
This is the place you can come to for regular updates, news and resources to help you understand what’s changing and how to get ready for it.
January 2026
9–10 March
16–18 March
Mid-March 2026
April 2026
27 April 2026
April 2026
Know Your Formats Guide
May–June 2026
Know Your Formats Regional Events
June 2026
29 June 2026
9 July 2026
29 July 2026
August 2026
Summer 2026
Qualification Updates
Summer 2026
Local Events
3v3 Festivals run by County FAs
These offered the opportunity for clubs and coaches to familiarise themselves with the new 3v3 format ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Education Conference
In partnership with English Schools' Football Association, Independent Schools Football Association and Youth Sport Trust, we hosted a digital briefing specific to football in the education sector.
Digital Conference for Clubs
The second in a series of online conferences to support Leagues, Clubs and Coaches in getting prepped.
New 3v3 Training
This will be introduced to cover three key subjects:
- Creating the Environment – The Right Space, The Right Start
- Coaching 3v3 – Small Game, Big Learning
- Playing 3v3 – Small Games, Big Impact
Coach Support
A new network of County Coach Developers will support coaches in bringing the changes to life in all the new playing formats.
Parents & Carers Gameplan
Guidance for parents and carers on the crucial role they can play in youth football will be shared with your club.
3v3 Goals Package
A bespoke 3v3 Goal Package supplied by the Football Foundation will be launched to provide goals for relevant leagues and clubs subject to eligibility criteria being met
Digital Conference for Coaches
To help coaches prepare, a Future Fit Coaches Conference will take place ahead of the changes.
The conference will provide insight, practical support and guidance to help you plan with confidence.
More information, including dates and programme details, available here
Know Your Formats Guide
A simple, interactive guide that explains every grassroots football format in one place
Regional Events
Practical events that bring our Know Your Formats guide to life and help coaches understand every grassroots football format.
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Sat 9th May, 9.30-15.30 |
Staveley Miners Welfare FC |
Inkersall Road, Chesterfield, S43 3JL |
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Sun 24th May, 10:00-16:00 |
Frenford Youth Club |
The Jack Carter Centre, The Drive, Ilford, Essex, IG1 3PS |
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Sun 7th June, 9:30-15:30 |
St Neots Town Football Club |
Kester Way, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PR19 6SL |
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Sun 7th June, 9.30- 15.30 |
Brighton FC |
American Express Elite Football Performance Centre, 60 Marsh Barn Lane, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9FP |
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Sun 14th June, 10:00 - 16:00 |
Plymouth Marjon University |
Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8BH |
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Sun 21 June 2026, 10:00 - 16:00 |
Hartpury University |
Hartpury, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BE |
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Sun 27th June, 9:30-15:00 |
West Riding Football Association |
Fleet Lane, Woodlesford, Leeds, LS26 8NX |
Retreat Line and Sideline Restarts video resource available
A simple video guide to help coaches learn more about the Retreat Line and Sideline restart rules
Digital Coaches conference
A conference summarising the changes to youth football and exploring the fundamentals of effective grassroots coaching
Webinar programme
"FutureFit: How do small formats support player development?" A webinar on the changes to youth football and the new 3v3 format.
Webinar programme
"How might I best prepare myself and my players for the new season?" A webinar with practical tips to help coaches get themselves and their players ready for next season by learning from the last one. Booking will be available from 22 April 2026 via
learn. englandfootball.com/ongoing-learning
All changes to youth football across England will be brought in for the start of the 2026/27 season.
Qualification Updates
Introduction to coaching Football and UEFA C Diploma qualification to be updated to reflect the changes to youth football.
Local events
Local 3v3 festivals and face-to-face 3v3 CPD will be delivered by County FAs to support coaches with the upcoming changes to youth football. Contact your local County FA for more information
We appreciate change can be challenging. Only by working together can we ensure changes are introduced in the best way possible.
With your support, we will continue to provide young players with the best possible football experience.
FAQs:
Do children enjoy playing 3v3?
Yes, children who have been playing so far say they love it.
How much extra space will we need for 3v3?
Pitches don't need to be marked permanently – and they can be marked with cones or flat disks.
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