FA Update: Changes Coming to Youth Football in England
The Football Association (FA) has announced that changes are coming to youth football in England, set to be implemented from the 2026/27 season. These changes aim to enhance young players' experiences, promoting both enjoyment and skill development.
There are lots of rumours about what the detail might mean, including 3v3 or 4v4 being brought in for Under 7s and Under 8s, and 11-a-side not starting until Under 15. Here's what they've said so far about the future of grassroots football...
Why Change is Coming
Over the past two years, the FA has conducted extensive consultations with stakeholders, including County FAs, clubs, leagues, and parents. By examining best practices from over 40 European nations and partnering with Liverpool John Moores University, the FA has gained valuable insights into the benefits of evolving youth football formats.
James Kendall, the FA’s Director of Football Development, emphasized that the focus is on evolution, not revolution:
“By introducing a new entry format for young players and adjusting age group formats, we aim to ensure youth football in England remains an enjoyable, developmental, and inclusive experience for all.”
Key Ambitions for Grassroots Football
The FA’s overarching goals include:
- Creating a game every child loves: Encouraging lifelong participation by making football enjoyable and accessible.
- Maximising activity and skill development: More touches of the ball, increased pitch time, and engaging formats for all young players.
- Ensuring safety and inclusivity: Offering a welcoming environment where every child feels supported.
Planned Updates for 2026/27
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New Entry-Level Formats for Youngest Players
The youngest age groups will benefit from:- Increased time on the ball.
- More varied football experiences.
- Greater pitch time to develop technical and physical skills.
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Adjustments to Existing Age Group Formats
The FA will refine playing formats to better suit the developmental needs of each age group.
Backed by Research and Testing
The FA’s decisions are informed by a two-year study of over 400 grassroots games (U6-U14) and insights from stakeholders. Key findings highlighted the positive impacts of increased ball touches and game variety on young players’ development.
By comparing youth football structures across Europe, the FA has identified innovative approaches to implement in England, ensuring their football remains world-class.
BazookaGoals from ChildrensFootball.com
Next Steps
The FA will continue to work closely with the grassroots community to ensure smooth implementation. Here’s what’s planned:
- Early 2025: Detailed updates shared with stakeholders.
- Spring 2025: Nationwide briefings for coaches, clubs, and parents to explain the changes.
- 18-Month Transition: Guidance and support will be provided to help everyone adapt to the new formats.
What This Means for You
- For Parents: These changes are designed to make football more engaging and rewarding for your child, focusing on fun and development.
- For Coaches: The updates are to help you nurture players’ technical and physical skills more effectively.
What Do You Think?
Should England follow the lead of the FA of Wales of the Scottish FA in implementing smaller sided games like 4v4 with no goalkeeper at the youngest age groups with smaller goals? Should the introduction of 11-a-side football be pushed back to older age groups?
What do you think should be changed? Or should everything just continue as it is?
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13 comments
We are current U10s going into 9aside next year and I agree the introduction of 11 aside should be pushed back further .. a couple more seasons on the smaller pitch gives more time on ball and enable better development on offside rule etc without thinking about another change to soon.
I’m stepping up to 7v7 next year so il need to add a couple more players then the season after il have too many to go back to 5v5 . Personally it’ll make more sense to let the sides already established to carry on with the current format and the bring it in from the bottom year by year .
this may give children more time on the ball and pitch but in rural areas this is either going to make for very long days with 4 or 5 games a day . and the travel distance between some venues of 2 hrs plus to play 4v4 is just silly . . very unpractical approach to rural teams
Don’t mess with how the system runs now!
Smaller sided teams will simply end up with less kids being able to get into the sport as you’ll need double the amount of VOLUNTEER coaches.
Grass roots I’d run by VOLUNTEERS and it’s hard enough as it is already without introducing game formats that will make it infinitely harder.
If you want to encourage small sided games then set up Futsal leagues and put money into building more suitable sports gyms to facilitate the leagues.
Absolutely ridiculous idea and will just stop kids from being able to join teams.
Like the idea of the younger groups, but really cannot see 14 year old boys on 9v9 pitches, mine have outgrown that format / pitch size at U12. Keepers will fill goals and bigger/stronger kids will
Be shooting from own half.