Supporting the FA’s 3v3 Football Revolution. How Davies Sports can help you deliver great 3v3 football.

The FA’s new 3v3 format is more than just a rule change. It’s a development-boosting rethink of how football begins at the youngest ages. At Davies Sports, we champion formats that put play and learning at the heart of sport.

In our latest of our 3v3 football series, we explore how we support clubs and schools delivering the new format, the equipment you might need and how to get the best from an exciting development.

Understand the FA’s 3v3 Format

The FA has introduced mandatory 3v3 football for under 7s as part of its Future Fit strategy. The aim is simple: increase involvement, enjoyment and skill development.

In our previous article we discussed the key changes that are on the way including:

• 3-a-side football format for under 7s

• No goalkeepers

• Played on smaller pitches with age-appropriate goals

• Focus on maximum involvement and individual skill development

• Delivery through non-competitive, festival-style events

Equipment designed for 3v3 football

Delivering high-quality 3v3 football starts with the right equipment. Because the FA’s 3v3 goal size and pitch setup are fundamentally different from traditional football, you need kit that fits the format.

1. Purpose-build goals

The simplest way to prepare for the FA’s 3v3 format is with the right goals:

• Compact but sturdy goals sizes for young players

• Light enough for each repositioning between games and training sessions

• Built to withstand regular use in club environments

Whether you’re planning weekly 3v3 matches or running 3v3 festivals, our 3v3 football goals deliver durability and performance.

2. Quality footballs for every session

In the FA’s 3v3 format, the ball is in constant play. Which means more touches, more passes and more shots. That means the quality of football matters more than ever:

• The Shoshin 365 training football is durable and built for regular use. It will stand the test of time, offering a quality training football at exceptional value.

• The Shoshin 90+ match football offers superior touch, flight and control, perfect for when players are ready to progress to the next level.

Using the right football helps young players develop better technique, confidence on the ball and a stronger connection to the game.

3. Small-sided game equipment

Great football isn’t just about goals. It’s about the whole training and learning environment. We offer:

• Training cones and marker discs for creating grids and dribbling paths

• Small-sized bibs for quick team identification in festival settings

• Agility ladders and hurdles that build coordination and movement quality

These tools make it simple to plan drills and sessions that support the FA’s new 3v3 format.

Professional advice to support the transition

Our support doesn’t stop at products and equipment. Our team includes grassroots coaches and teachers who understand what it’s like to design and deliver football programs under real world constraints.

Whether you’re preparing for the 3v3 football revolution, looking for advice or guidance on what equipment to purchase or planning your next training session, we’re here to listen and help.

Pitch setup and play area guidance

One of the biggest questions we hear about the FA 3v3 rules is: “How should we lay out the pitch?”

The good news? Because 3v3 football is simple by design, your layouts can be flexible.

Recommended setup

Whilst individual leagues and schools may adapt based on space, the core principles include:

• Short, wide grids that promote involvement

• Space that encourages movement and passing

• Clearly marked boundaries so young players always know where the game is

On a standard 5v5 pitch, you can create up to four, 3v3 pitches across it, each measuring 10x15m. This gives more players more opportunity to play more football for longer and removes the need to have substitutes standing around.

A four-pitch setup also creates opportunities for teams to have multiple matches by enabling teams to move around the pitches between games. This ensures players get the recommended 30 – 40 minutes of pitch time, whilst still experiencing playing with and against different players.

3v3 football is designed to be flexible. Using cones or flat markers, you can create bigger or smaller pitches as needed and even create pitches in different locations each week.

Our commitment to 3v3 Football

The FA 3v3 initiative is a positive, evidence-backed step in grassroots football, putting fun, learning and involvement at the centre of U7s football.

At Davies Sports, we’re committed to supporting this change with:

• The right equipment for every space

• Practical advice to help you deliver the new format

• High-quality products and 5-star service as standard

Whether you’re preparing your pitch or organising your first 3v3 football festival, we’re here to help you make great football happen.

Let’s build more confident players, joyful experiences and thriving football communities, one 3v3 game at a time.

FAQs about the FA’s 3v3 Football Format

❓ What are the fa 3v3 rules?

At its core, the FA’s 3v3 format removes goalkeepers and reduces team sizes so every player gets more touches and involvement. It’s less about competition and more about learning.

❓ What is the FA’s 3v3 goal size?

Because 3v3 games are played on smaller grids, the goals are compact, designed to suit small-sided play. 4x2.5ft or 5x3ft sized goals will work perfectly.

❓ Does 3v3 football replace larger games?

Not completely. It forms an early stage in the player pathway, building confidence and skills that young players will carry into larger formats later.