After our FA update: the changes in the publication of the youth soccer blog in England in December in response to all the rumors that rumble in the base football community, the FA in England has finally made its announcement!
Your future adjustment plan is approaching and this is what it means for base youth football.
Since the season after next, 2026-27, FA is implementing significant changes in youthful base football in England, with the aim of improving the game experience for young players. These updates focus on increasing the time in the ball, improving game opportunities and creating a more structured development route.
Why are these changes happen?
The FA has spent two years consulting with coaches, clubs and experts to evaluate how young players develop in the game. A study of 400 base coincidences of U14 levels in England, combined with the investigation of other European nations, has helped shape thesis decisions. How will these changes affect the development of the long -term player?
Key changes to introduce
- New 3v3 format for U7S – Designed to maximize the commitment, encourage more touches on the ball and provide a smoother introduction to the game.
- Delayed progression through formats – Each game format will now be played for an additional year before the transition, which means:
-
- 7v7 will begin in U10 (currently U9)
- 9V9 will begin in U12 (currently U11)
- 11V11 will begin in U14 (currently U13)
Will players help better their skills before moving on to a full size launch?
- Alignment with school football -The children of primary school will play smaller games with simplified rules before progressing at 9V9 at high school.
How will this particle impact on school and base football?
- Adapted rules for younger players -The FA has already made changes in the reinforcements of the game for U7S-U9 to maintain the longest and most owned rules at stake.
What other changes in the rule could have young players?
The transition
To support clubs, coaches and parents with thesis changes in the next 18 months, the FA will continue to support and educate about the new changes that will be introduced so that everyone is fully prepared for the beginning of the 2026-27 season.
This will include a series of regional road shows and online web seminars. Together with the launch of the Future Fit: Digital Content Hubwhich will provide ONDAG and practical orientation updates Offering more information about new formats.
Grateful if your team has recently moved to a larger team format, you should get back. The transition will be staggered (see below), so anyone about to ascend will be delayed to align with the changes and be ready for the 2026-27 season.
“We are excited about these new changes, which follow a two -year consultation with the base game. Our approach is about evolution, not to increase the revolution to increase commitment, physical activity, skills development and the volume of technical actions.” “
FA football development director James Kendall
To help communicate the next base soccer plans, the FA is running an online event in March 11, 2025 With key experts that will discuss the changes. Besides, County FA Roadshows It will take place in all regions of March 13 to April 4Offering information in person about the changes, their purpose and the next steps.
Thoughts?
What do you think about these changes? How could they affect your team or club? Will the transition be direct or will there be challenges to address? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion.
Stay updated visiting the Future Fit: Digital Content HubWhere new information will be shared regularly before season 2026-27.
You may also interest you …
3V3 Soccer, what is the entire uproar?
10 warming games to start your football training session
Buy Soccer Coaching teams
