Written by Emma Burke, Laceeze Defiance Founder & mum of two football-crazed sons
As a parent, I’m always watching how the game our children love is evolving. Football has changed so much since we were first on the sidelines - and now the next big transformation is finally here. The FA’s FutureFit programme sets out a new way for children to experience grassroots football in England, with the aim of helping every young player enjoy the game, be more active and develop confidence and technical skills from the very beginning.
I know that change can feel unsettling for some parents and coaches - especially when it affects how our kids play on a Saturday morning. But having read the FA’s FutureFit guidance and spoken with other families, I want to share a calm, clear overview of what’s coming, who will be most affected, and when these changes will take effect.
What is FutureFit really trying to do?
At its heart, FutureFit is about making youth football more engaging, development-appropriate and fun for children from the moment they step onto a pitch. It looks at:
• Playing opportunities - giving kids more chances to be active and involved.
• Coaching and environment - adapting how the game is taught and played.
• Parents & carers - supporting families so football is enjoyable for everyone.
• Rules and structure - matching football formats to children’s developmental stages.
The FA describes it as “tailoring youth football to fit even better and mean even more for all young players in England.”
Abdoullah Kheir, Coach Development Lead from our partners at London FA comments that; “The 3v3 format supports the holistic development of young players by focusing not just on football skills, but also on confidence, teamwork, communication and decision-making. With no substitutes, every child remains actively involved throughout the game, ensuring equal playing time and continuous engagement. This approach creates a positive, inclusive environment where enjoyment, learning and personal development sit at the heart of the experience.”
When do the changes start?
All the key FutureFit formats and rules come into force from the 2026/2027 season - so clubs, leagues, coaches and parents will be preparing during the 2025/26 season ahead of implementation.
Deep dive into the details: What’s actually changing?
1. 3v3 becomes the entry format for U7s
• What it is: Instead of starting in 5v5, children at Under-7 level (U7s) will play 3-a-side football as their first competitive format.
• Why: Smaller games mean more time on the ball, more involvement, and more opportunities for young players to make decisions, experiment and enjoy the game.
• Who it affects: Any child in the U7 age group playing grassroots football in an affiliated league.
2. Smaller formats are played for longer
One of the headline shifts is simply delaying the progression to larger formats so children stay in appropriately scaled games as they grow.
• Old pathway: Historically, children would move up formats earlier - for example to 11v11 at U13.
• New pathway: 11v11 will now start at U14 instead of U13.
• What this means:
◦ 5v5, 7v7, 9v9 remain part of the pathway but are experienced at slightly older ages.
◦ This gives young players more time to master technical skills and understanding before the physical and tactical challenges of full-sided football.
3. Evolved laws of the game to keep the ball in play
FutureFit also means age-appropriate Laws of the Game, designed to reduce stoppages and maximise playing time.
• For example, game restarts have already been updated for U7–U9s to keep more of the ball in play rather than having lots of pauses.
• As players progress into older age groups (especially into secondary school), the rules will continue to evolve, becoming gradually more complex.
4. More alignment with school football
Another part of FutureFit’s ambition is better alignment between grassroots and school football so that children experience formats and rules that are age-appropriate across all environments. This is expected to help reduce confusion and make the transition between contexts smoother for players.
Who does this affect - and how?
Young Players
• U7s will have a very different first competitive experience - shorter, smaller team games that emphasise participation and enjoyment.
• Older children will benefit from extended time in developmental formats, with the aim of improving skills and confidence before stepping into full 11v11.
Coaches and Volunteers
• Coaches will need to adapt their planning and match-day organisation to smaller formats and updated rules.
• There will be greater emphasis on facilitating play and learning, rather than officiating in younger age groups.
Clubs and Leagues
• League administrators, clubs and matchday organisers will need to prepare pitches, schedules, and resources to support multiple small-sided games, especially for 3v3 matchdays.
What do these changes mean for parents?
I’ve heard from many other parents that their first reaction to the word change is, “Will this be better for my child?” The honest answer is that FutureFit is built around evidence - including a two-year consultation and research involving hundreds of grassroots games - showing that smaller formats and more playing time support skill development and enjoyment.
That said, some families and volunteers will need time to adjust. There’s no one-size-fits-all and every child experiences sport differently. What matters most is that we focus on fun, support and opportunities to play, no matter the format.
Neil Fowkes, Coaching Officer from London FA gives this advice; “As with any change, it may take time for players, coaches and parents to adjust, but keeping the focus on enjoyment, learning and inclusion will be key. Creating a supportive environment where children are encouraged to try, learn and express themselves will help them gain the most from the 3v3 experience.”
Quick recap: FutureFit timeline at a glance
• Now - 2025/26 season: Football community learns, shares, plans and prepares for FutureFit.
• From the 2026/27 season:
◦ 3v3 introduced as the default entry format for U7s.
◦ Delayed progression through playing formats; 11v11 starts at U14.
◦ Age-appropriate restarts and laws are embedded to keep play active.
To find out more, visit the FutureFit Hub for regular updates.
We’d love to know your thoughts on the changes. Email your feedback to charlotte@laceeze.co.uk or DM us @laceezedefiance
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