GRASSROOTS football in England is set for a major revamp after the FA announced its plan to implement sizeable changes from 2026.

The new format promises to revolutionise the way football is taught to youngsters, with the FA taking inspiration from the European youth set up.

The first major change is the introduction of a new 3v3 entry format for the youngest players in the pathway at U7s level.

Six to seven year old’s go straight into 5v5 at the moment, but will shift to fielding three players on each side from the 2026-2027 season.

The smaller set up aims to maximise engagement and provide the best introduction to football that will allow kids more touches on the ball.

This means that every increase in playing sides will be pushed back by a year.

For example, U11s will go from playing 9-a-side matches currently, to 7-a-side matches from 2026-2017.

England Football explained: “Each format will be played one year later as players transition through the pathway.”

The next biggest change means that 11v11 which will move from U13s to U14s level.

The FA will also evolve the Laws of the Game that are age-appropriate and best support the overall development of youth players.

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For example, amendments have already been made to game restarts for U7s-U9s to increase ball in play time.

The decision was informed by a two-year study of over 400 grassroots games (U6-U14) and insights from stakeholders.

The FA said: “We aim to further improve the experience for young players across the country – giving them more time on the ball, more time on the pitch and increasing their physical activity levels.”

A series of workshops and tools will be provided to support all coaches, clubs and leagues across the country to further understand the changes that will be implemented.

The Director of Football Development, James Kendall, said: “We’re excited about these new changes which follow a two-year period of consultation with the grassroots game.

“Our approach is about evolution, not revolution, helping to increase the levels of engagement, physical activity, skill development and the volume of technical actions for every player.”

The announcement has received a mixed response online.

One footie fan wrote: “Ive seen 3v3 in Europe. You’re all fretting about nothing. Works great and the kids love it.

“Coaches just supervise. No more yelling generic instructions required.”

A second added: “I think it’s great, the kids will get more playing time and more time on the ball to work on their own ability.” 

But another social media user questioned: “But won’t this reduced squad sizes?”