Youth football in England is changing. And for coaches, clubs, and parents, the introduction of 3v3 football under the FA’s FutureFit programme is one of the most significant developments in years.
Designed to give young players the best introduction to the game, 3v3 football puts the focus on involvement, enjoyment, and development. But what does 3v3 actually look like? Why are goal sizes changing? And how do clubs prepare?
Here’s everything you need to know about FutureFit, and how to be ready for it.
What Is FutureFit and Why Is It Being Introduced?
FutureFit is the FA’s long-term plan to reshape the early stages of youth football, ensuring children have the best possible playing experiences from their first steps in the game.
From the 2026/27 season, the FA will formally introduce 3v3 football at Under 7s, replacing the current 5v5 format. This decision is based on extensive research, feedback from grassroots football, and strong evidence that smaller-sided formats help young players develop more effectively.
The aims are simple:
-
More touches of the ball
-
More decisions per player
-
More involvement for everyone
For parents, this means children get more pitch time and are less likely to be “lost” in games. For clubs and coaches, it creates better learning environments, where more young players get on the pitch for longer.
What Does 3v3 Football Actually Look Like?
3v3 football is designed to be simple, flexible, and accessible.
Typically, games involve:
-
Three players per team
-
Small pitches set up within larger spaces
-
Short match durations (often 6–10 minutes)
-
No goalkeepers
Because of the reduced numbers per side, every player is constantly involved with attacking, defending, passing, and finishing. There’s no hiding place. But also no pressure to perform a single role, meaning young players get a more all-round experience.
The short match times allow coaches to rotate players between games, meaning they reach a recommended 30-40 mins of playing time teamed with and against different players, keeping the experience varied.
There are some rules changes compared to 5v5, with heading not allowed and no penalties. Free kicks must be at least 3m from the goal.
Why Goal Sizes Matter in 3v3
One of the most fundamental changes linked to 3v3 football is goal size.
In the FutureFit framework, the FA recommends smaller goals for 3v3 games, with a size of 120cm x 75cm 4ft x 2.5ft (120cm x 75cm) officially recommended.
Our QUICKPLAY goal ranges includes the FA recommended size for 3v3 games with currently two options for differing budgets and needs:
|
|
|
This isn’t about making scoring harder, it’s about making scoring more appropriate for young players.
Smaller goals:
-
Encourage accuracy over power
-
Help players learn when and where to shoot
-
Build confidence through realistic success
-
Reduce reliance on bigger or stronger players
What This Means for Coaches
For coaches, 3v3 football is an opportunity to rethink how early sessions and matchdays are delivered. A standard 5v5 pitch can be divided into four 3v3 games running simultaneously, getting more players on the pitch for longer. Flexibility is also encouraged, with larger or smaller pitch sizes able to be set up on varied surfaces.
The smaller format allows for:
-
More individual feedback
-
Easier observation of player development
-
Faster transitions between activities
-
More kids playing with less kids waiting to play
Training sessions can mirror matchday environments, using the same small goals and pitch sizes. This consistency helps young players feel confident and familiar when it comes to games.
Crucially, it also reduces waiting time, with fewer queues, fewer players standing still, and more learning through time on the pitch.
What This Means for Clubs
For clubs, the move to 3v3 brings logistical considerations but also real advantages.
Because 3v3 pitches are small, clubs can:
-
Run multiple games on one pitch
-
Maximise facility usage
-
Reduce congestion on matchdays
-
Create lively training environments
Portable, lightweight goals make setting up and packing away easier, especially for volunteer-led clubs. Many clubs will also find they can support more teams and players within the same space.
Planning ahead, particularly around equipment, will make the transition smoother when the changes are formally introduced.
Getting Ready to Be FutureFit
The formal rollout is at the start of the 2026/27 season, so now is the perfect time for coaches and clubs to start experimenting with 3v3 formats in training and events.
Simple steps include:
-
Trialling 3v3 games in sessions
-
Using appropriately sized goals
-
Creating flexible matchday setups
Being prepared early helps everyone feel confident when the change arrives and ensures young players benefit immediately.
A Better Start to the Game
FutureFit and 3v3 football aren’t about change for the sake of it. They’re about creating stronger, more enjoyable foundations for young footballers, where learning is constant, involvement is guaranteed, and fun comes first.
For more information about the FA’s FutureFit changes and 3v3 football take a look at the FA FutureFit Digital Hub.
Start your 3v3 journey by browsing the QUICKPLAY 3v3 goals collection.