The FA's New 3 v 3 Football Format
Published on 20/08/2025 in News
The FA’s New 3v3 Football Format: A New Era for Grassroots Football Development
Football, the nation’s favourite game, is changing with a new 3v3 format set to reshape how our youngest players experience the beautiful game.
Designed for under 7s and under 8s, the change isn’t just a new format. It’s about a brighter, more inclusive future for the grassroots game.
What’s changing in youth football?
As part of the FA’s Future Fit strategy, the national governing body is introducing 3v3 festivals as a key component of youth development, with a phased rollout beginning in 2025 with full adoption for the 2026/27 season.
Key changes at a glance:
3-a-side football format for under 7s and under 8s
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
Why 3v3? A development-first philosophy
According to the FA, the 3v3 format is designed to ‘prioritise ball rolling time and ensure every player has the opportunity to be actively involved.’ This approach is underpinned by a clear development philosophy: the younger the player, the simpler the game.
Here’s what that means in practice:
More touches = more learning
With fewer players on the pitch, each child is more involved, getting more touches on the ball, more chances to make decisions and more opportunities to try new things
Space to grow
Smaller pitches encourage movement, create more 1v1 opportunities and help players understand spacing, timing and teamwork, all without being overwhelmed
Confidence before competition
The FA’s 3v3 game model ‘supports players in developing mastery of the ball and confidence in game situations without the pressure of a competitive structure.’ FA FutureFit
In other words, it’s not about winning, it’s about belonging, trying and improving.
What the FA says about the future of the game?
The shift is part of the FA’s broader strategy which focuses on creating more engaging, inclusive and enjoyable experiences for young players across England. The FA’s director of football development, James Kendall, said:
“Our approach is very much about evolution, not revolution, and we believe that by introducing a new entry format for young players and adjusting the formats played by age groups, we will further improve youth football in England so it can continue to provide an enjoyable, developmental and inclusive experience for everyone involved.”
Put simply, ‘it’s about helping children fall in love with football by offering them the right formats, at the right time, delivered in the right environment.’
The emphasis is on age-appropriate learning environments, which encourage skill development, build resilience and increase long-term participation; exactly the kind of environment Davies Sports is proud to support.
How we support clubs and schools
We know adapting to change can be difficult. That’s why we’re ready to help you embrace the new format with:
Regulation 5x3ft sized football goals, perfect for the new 3v3 format and great for encouraging accurate finishing.
Innovative training and match footballs designed to help improve control, dribbling, passing and shooting.
Unique tactics boards, enabling you to demonstrate space, develop team tactics and take your training sessions to the next level.
Training and match bundles, containing everything you need to improve your team and get them making the most of the new format.
Throwing, agility and movement equipment for all-around physical development and enjoyment.
From your first training session to your first festival, we’re by your side, offering equipment you can trust, expert service and a shared passion for grassroots football.
Three’s not the only magic number
The FA’s new 3v3 format is more than a rule change, it’s the start of a new football structure across England. To help grassroots coaches and clubs understand the changes, the FA have created a new Future Fit: Digital Content Hub as well as handy guides about the changes being made across the age groups.
By maintaining a focus on small-sided games but tweaking the age at which children progress through team sizes, the game is setting them up for future success. It’s a statement of intent! A commitment to making football more enjoyable, more inclusive and more development-focused at the most critical stages of a child’s sporting journey.
At Davies Sports, we’re proud to be part of that journey, helping you create the conditions for young players to play, learn and compete with confidence.
Let’s shape the future of football, three-a-side at a time.