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...
** UPDATE - New FA announcement February 2025: Future Fit - The FA In England Finally Confirms All The Rumours Are True! **
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
1. New Entry-Level Formats for Youngest Players
The youngest age groups will benefit from:
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- Increased time on the ball.
- More varied football experiences.
- Greater pitch time to develop technical and physical skills.
2. 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?
** UPDATE - New FA announcement February 2025: Future Fit - The FA In England Finally Confirms All The Rumours Are True! **
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21 comments
Terrible for me and my team, I have 9 kids at U7. I planned on keeping them all together until U9 and reaping the benefit at 7 aside. It’s just not practical, not enough volunteers or pitches to cope with how many teams will be needed. Definitely will result in less kids playing football.
Smaller sided games are good for younger kids. But at u -0 and above – kids want to play and smaller teams mean less people playing or downgrading coaching by having more teams.
Myself and other coaches I know think it’s a great idea. Have 2 games of 3v3, 4v4s or 5v5s happening at the same time. Every child plays, squad sizes of 6/8/10. We all do SSG in training, I really don’t see why people think it’s a bad idea. More time on the pitch with a ball is more beneficial than a child only play half a game.
Terrible idea. All this will do is mean less kids playing football as there is already a shortage of coaches and referees.
Having 4 aside at u7 will mean a squad of 6 or 7 instead of 8 or 9 meaning less kids being part of a team and starting later and not having the fundamentals until much later.
A massive change for League Committees as well, who will get the same information at the same time and be expected to tell managers exactly how this is going to be implemented within 5 mins.
Having previously been involved in some of the local FA briefings a few issues. A) the FA seem to think all small sided games take place on a part of a full size 11v11 pitch- they don’t!. A lot of pitches are squeezed into gaps in fields. B) Referees are not required until much later, completely removing the development path for young referees to learn at U7, U8, etc. C) Idea to have multiple 3v3; 4v4 games at the same venue with multiple teams puts pressure on facilities (pitches, parking, etc) and number of volunteers required to look after multiple matches in the absence of any referees.