The FA’s 'FutureFit': get ready for next season

Source: England Football

U4s-U6s are not affected. They remain in the ‘play phase’, in which players don’t play matches.

U14s and above area also not affected, continuing with 11-a-side.

Rather than starting at 5v5, u7s will now start at 3v3. U9s will remain at 5v5 rather than progressing to 7v7, U11s will remain at 7v7 rather than progressing to 9v9, and u13s will remain at 9v9, instead of progressing to 11v11.

It’s important to note that players in affected age groups won’t know any different. Rather than changing format, they will simply continue with the format they were already playing for a year longer. 

Why is the FA making these changes?

The FA cites two influencing themes that are driving these changes. They are:

•  Championing children’s rights 
’Together we recognise that all children have rights and it’s our responsibility as adults to continually honour these for all children who play football’

•  Promoting the spirit of the game
‘Equally, importantly, we will uphold the spirit of the game; not all football looks the same, but there’s a spirit that exists whatever the format of play. That spirit is built around the basics of the game, two teams respectfully competing, trying to stop their opponent from scoring, while themselves trying to score. The emotions we feel and the lessons we learn are a shared experience’.

The Football Association feels the changes brought about in the FutureFit scheme address these themes by:

•  Maximising engagement and providing the best introduction to football, including:

   o  Giving all children lots of chances to play in a variety of different ways

   o  Developing coaches who approach learning and teaching in a way that grows the person and player through the games they play

   o  Creating safe, fun and inclusive spaces for all children, both on and off the field

   o  Helping parents, carers and families make football the best place for all children

•  Giving players more time on the ball, more time on the pitch and increasing 
       their physical activity levels.

•  Allowing players to move more in more technical ways.

How can you prepare?

As we approach the end of the 2025-26 season, now is the time to make sure things are in motion to get set for 2026-27. You should:

•  Make sure you understand what’s happening: what are the changes? You can visit the FA’s FutureFit Digital Content Hub for further information

•  Understand how these changes affect your team or club: will some of your age groups be impacted? What will this mean for players and staff?

•  If your team or club will be playing 3v3, given that it’s a new format, make sure you understand the ins and outs of it and what is required

•  Communicate how these changes impact your team or club with players, parents and carers, and staff, detailing what the specifics will look like

•  For the U7 age group, set up some 3v3 games ahead of the season so you can get an idea of how it works. You don’t even need to play against other clubs - just do it within your squad if easier

•  Then it’s business as usual really! Plan pre-season accordingly, and get on with the new season from there!

Will there be further changes?

Probably! The FA, like most football associations and governing bodies, is regularly reviewing how the game is organised, played and coach with a view to providing age and stage appropriate opportunities for players.

In future, this will likely lead to further changes, whether as significant as the ones set to start next season, or on a smaller scale. It’s our job as coaches to be ready to manage and work with these coaches for the benefit of our players.

For now, the FutureFit strategy is the change we need to focus on!