The way youth football is played and run is set to undergo significant changes again, following the announcement by the FA of a new initiative called Future Fit.
Beginning in the 2026/27 season, the Football Association will implement changes to grassroots youth football, with the aim of enhancing the playing experience for children. The initiative will increase engagement, improve skill development and fit game formats more closely with players’ developmental stages.
The main changes announced so far are:
1. Introduction of 3v3 Format at U7 Level
The biggest change is a new 3v3 format for players under the age of seven. This structure is designed so young players will have more touches of the ball and have a better introduction to football. Specially sized goals will be required for these games, get yours here and be ready to go when the changes come in: https://mhgoals.com/football/goals-3v3/
2. Adjustment of Format Progression
Ever since the last major update to the youth game in 2012, as players advance through the age groups the team size, pitch size and goal size has increased. With Future Fit the FA are refining this system, most notably players will now move to the 11-a-side football format a year later, from the Under-13 level to Under-14. This change aims to ensure that players develop the necessary skills before progressing to larger pitches where physicality can replace technical ability.
3. Matching Educational Stages
These changes will align the changes of football format with the changes that happen in education. Children will play the smaller formats with simplified rules throughout primary school, then move to 9v9 and more complex rules when they begin secondary school.
4. Law Changes
The laws of the game will be tweaked at different age levels to support the overall development of young players. For example, changes have been made to game restarts for Under-7s to Under-9s to increase ‘ball in play’ time.
5. Phasing Out of Heading in Matches
In an effort to improve player safety, deliberate heading will be phased out for players under 11. This decision follows a successful trial and aims to reduce potential head injury risks while improving technical skills.
More details will be released about these changes as we get closer to the 2026/2027 season and MH Goals will be here to give you the support you need to be ready.