FutureFit 3v3 Format
From 2026-27 season, The FA are updating playing formats in youth football. This will help all young players increase their physical activity and develop their technical skills.
A key element of FutureFit is the introduction of a new entry format, 3v3. This format is for the youngest players where they will have more time on the ball, more time on the pitch and more opportunity to develop their skills.
While the changes will be mandated from the 2026/27 season, NEHYL has been participating in the Early Adopter Programme for Girls U7 in Season 2025/26.
FutureFit Showcase Events by HFA can be found here and NEHYL taster events can be found here.
See below for more information and resources.
NEHYL Future Fit Key Points for 2026/27
- Teams will play in a 3v3 format in keeping with the current FA guidelines & rules. 2v2 can work but ideally on a smaller (minimum size).
- Player age clarification
- 5 year olds may not play until they are 6
- 6 year olds may ONLY play in Under 7s
- As soon as a player reaches their 7th birthday, they are eligible to play up a year into the Under 8s
- These rules have been in standard code for at least 15 years, so there has been no change just to fit 3v3
- Cones are fine for pitch marking, so having neat white line is ‘nice, not necessary’
- Players may only play ‘matches’ for 40 minutes in a day, 5 x 8 minute games is a nice round number !
- NEHYL will levy team entry charges based on what clubs want to submit/enter but as with the current U7s arrangement, each team that wants fixtures must be uniquely named and submitted as such. All players can be cross registered over all teams registered with county FA for one club in the 2026/27 U7 age group.
- Goal funding for 3v3 available from
Football Foundation here.
18th April 2026 at 11am at Badshot Lea Youth FC, Weybourne Recreation Ground, Weybourne Lane, Weybourne, Farnham GU9 9HJ. Parking at William Cobbett Primary School.
NEHYL 3v3 events to learn more about 3v3
3v3 update from the FA including funding, events and more...
FAQ’s & more information can be found at
- futurefit.englandfootball.com/futurefit
- youtube.com/watch?v=pfU4duqoEdY
- Football Foundation Goal Funding
- NEHYL 3v3 Events