Grassroots youth football in England is changing for the 2026/27 season, with new playing formats and age-appropriate rules being introduced across the game.

The changes form part of the Football Association’s FutureFit programme and are designed to give young players more time on the ball, more playing time and a better introduction to football.

For most parents, the biggest differences will be seen at under-7 and under-13 level. However, the wider pathway is also changing as smaller formats are retained for longer.

Here is what parents, coaches and clubs need to know.

Under-7 football becomes 3v3

The biggest change is the introduction of 3v3 football as the new entry format at under-7 level.

Previously, most under-7 teams began playing 5v5. From the 2026/27 season, children will instead begin with smaller 3v3 games.

The FA says research into more than 400 grassroots matches found that smaller formats can increase children’s physical activity and the number of technical actions they perform.

Put simply, fewer players on each pitch should mean:

• More touches of the ball.
• More opportunities to dribble and pass.
• More chances to score and stop goals.
• Fewer children standing away from the action.
• More playing time for every child.
• More opportunities to make their own decisions.

It is not about making football more competitive at a younger age. The intention is to create a more active, enjoyable and child-centred introduction to the game.

No goalkeepers or substitutes in under-7 3v3

Under the new format, under-7 3v3 games will not have designated goalkeepers.

There will also be no substitutes, with multiple small games intended to take place at the same time so that every available child can play.

The FA says as many as four 3v3 pitches can be created within the space traditionally used for one 5v5 pitch.

Individual games should generally last between six and ten minutes, with players then rotating between pitches. The recommended overall playing time is approximately 30 to 40 minutes for each child.

Teams can also mix players between their different squads when necessary. At this age, the emphasis remains on providing opportunities to play—not on league positions or formal results.

No referee at under-7 level

Under-7 3v3 games will not have a traditional referee.

Instead, the FA recommends one adult facilitator for each pitch. Their role is to help the children play safely while allowing them to make as many of their own decisions as possible.

Games begin with a high five, while rock, paper, scissors can be used to decide which team starts.

The intention is to create a less formal environment where children learn about sportsmanship without adults controlling every moment of the game.

Restarts will be quicker and simpler

Players will be allowed to dribble or pass the ball back into play at restarts, including from the touchline, corners, goal lines and free kicks.

Opposition players must remain at least three metres away.

For goal-line restarts, the opposing team must retreat into its own half. There will be no heading or penalty kicks in under-7 3v3 football.

These simplified restarts are designed to reduce the amount of time children spend waiting for the ball to return to play.

Children will remain in smaller formats for longer

The changes are not restricted to under-7 football.

Playing formats will now be introduced one year later as children move through the youth football pathway. This means young players will remain in smaller-sided football for longer before moving into the full 11v11 game.

The most significant change for older players is that 11v11 football will now begin at under-14 rather than under-13.

This allows under-13 players to remain in the 9v9 format for an additional season.

The FA believes smaller-sided games encourage more movement, more involvement and a greater number of technical actions for every player.

Why is the FA making these changes?

The changes follow a two-year consultation and research programme involving the grassroots community, European football associations and Liverpool John Moores University.

The FA studied more than 400 grassroots games between under-6 and under-14 level to examine how different formats affected player involvement, physical activity and technical development.

Its stated aim is to give children:

• More time on the ball.
• More time on the pitch.
• More opportunities to learn.
• Age-appropriate rules.
• A more enjoyable football experience.

FA Director of Football Development James Kendall described the approach as “evolution, not revolution”.

What do parents need to do?

Parents do not need to purchase new equipment or organise the playing format themselves.

Clubs and leagues are responsible for implementing the changes, but parents should expect under-7 matchdays to look different. There may be several games taking place simultaneously, children may play alongside different teammates and there will not be a goalkeeper or traditional referee.

Results and formations should matter far less than whether children are active, involved and enjoying themselves.

Parents should speak to their club if they are uncertain about how its under-7 or older youth teams will operate during the new season.

What should coaches and clubs do?

Coaches, clubs and leagues should make sure they understand the new format before their fixtures begin.

The FA recommends that clubs:

• Review the FutureFit guidance.
• Plan how existing pitch space can accommodate 3v3 games.
• Identify enough adult facilitators.
• Explain the changes to parents before the season starts.
• Speak to their County FA if further support is required.
• Ensure all safeguarding requirements remain in place.

The success of the changes will depend heavily on how clearly clubs communicate with families.

For many parents, 3v3 will feel unfamiliar initially. A simple pre-season meeting or written guide could prevent confusion when they arrive at the first matchday.

A major change—but the child remains the priority

Grassroots football has regularly changed its playing formats to create a more suitable game for children.

Moving to 3v3 and delaying 11v11 represents another significant step, but the principle behind it is straightforward: more children playing, more often and with greater involvement.

Whether the changes succeed will ultimately depend on coaches, clubs, leagues and parents embracing the purpose behind them.

The format may be changing, but enjoyment, development and giving every child a meaningful opportunity to play must remain at the heart of grassroots football.

Official source: England Football FutureFit guidance and the FA’s detailed 3v3 guidance.