FOOTBALL FIT FOR THE FUTURE
The Football Association has revealed its plans to improve grassroots youth football in England. What will the new Future Fit proposals mean when they are introduced from the 2026-27 season?
FOR THE FUTURE FOOTBALL FIT
he Football Association will be launching a new, progressive framework for grassroots youth football in England from the start of the 2026/27 season. The aim of the new Future Fit plan is simple – to further improve the experience for young players across the country and to give them more time on the ball, more time on the pitch and increasing their physical activity levels.
On the ball
The plans will see comprehensive changes to the way grassroots football is played across all age groups. These include a new 3v3 entry format for the youngest players in the pathway at U7s level. Fielding three players on each side is seen as a way to maximise engagement and provide the best introduction to football. Currently, all FA sanctioned games are played using a 5v5 format up to the U8 level.
There will also be greater alignment with schools, with children playing smaller formats with simplified rules throughout primary school, before progressing to 9v9 and more complex rules at secondary school. This will also see each format being introduced one year later as players transition through the pathway. For example, the 9v9 format, which is currently introduced at U11 level, will now begin at U12. The shift also includes the move to 11v11, which will move from U13s to U14s level.
Significantly, the laws of the game will be evolved to make them more age-appropriate – so they can best support the overall development of the young player. For example, amendments have already been made to game restarts for U7s-U9s to increase ball in play time.
Support play
To help clubs, coaches and others involved in grassroots football negotiate the changes, a new Future Fit: Digital Content Hub has been launched in advance of the implementation. Each local FA will also be hosting several workshops to make coaches more familiar with the plans.
The FA’s Director of Football Development, James Kendall, said: “We’re excited about these new changes which follow a two-year period of consultation with the grassroots game.
“Our approach is about evolution, not revolution, helping to increase the levels of engagement, physical activity, skill development and the volume of technical actions for every player.
“Together with the County FA network, we are fully committed to working closely with all those involved in delivering grassroots youth football, providing the support needed to implement these changes across the country.”
Improved technique
The changes to the grassroots game in England mirror those made in Germany in 2022 – and also fall in line with how youth football is played in Spain. The German football association, DFB, introduced 2v2 and 3v3 formats for the U6 and U8 age groups, while 3v3 and 5v5 formats are played at U8 and U9 level. The move to 9v9, like in England from next year, doesn’t take place until players reach the U12 age group. In Spain, the 3v3 format has been the norm for nearly all games below U8.
The shift to a 3v3 structure at the youngest age groups is designed to provide children with increased time on the ball and more active participation during matches. This should foster the development of technical skills, quick decision-making and agility, laying a robust foundation for future progression in the sport.
According to FA research, the shift to 3v3 can bring some significant advantages on personal development.
“Small-sided games give players the chance to take more actions on the ball, boosting their confidence when it comes to attacking and defending,” the FA said.
“We counted every action in a ten-minute 3v3 game played on a 30x20 metre fenced pitch by U9s. The ball was in play 100% of the time. With fewer players and the ball rolling for the full ten minutes, each outfielder had 71 touches on average. Compare this to 57 for a 5v5 game we observed and 37 for a 7v7.
“The result is many more opportunities to practise core skills, both attacking and defending.”
FutureFit What does this mean for my team
U7 U8 U9 U10 U11 U12 U13 U14 U15 U16
2024/25 5v5 5v5 7v7 7v7 9v9 9v9 11v11 11v11 11v11 11v11
2025/26 5v5 5v5 7v7 7v7 9v9 9v9 11v11 11v11 11v11 11v11
2026/27 3v3 5v5 5v5 7v7 7v7 9v9 9v9 11v11 11v11 11v11
2027/28 3v3 5v5 5v5 7v7 7v7 9v9 9v9 11v11 11v11 11v11
2028/29 3v3 5v5 5v5 7v7 7v7 9v9 9v9 11v11 11v11 11v11
2029/30 3v3 5v5 5v5 7v7 7v7 9v9 9v9 11v11 11v11 11v11