What changes for Under 7 football?
Under 7 football moves to 3v3 in the 2026/27 season. The FA guidance describes games without goalkeepers, match officials or substitutes. Small groups can rotate between short games so that children spend more time playing and less time waiting.
FutureFit also keeps children in smaller formats for longer. The national pathway uses 5v5 at Under 8 and Under 9, 7v7 at Under 10 and Under 11, 9v9 at Under 12 and Under 13, then 11v11 from Under 14.
Recommended 3v3 pitch, goal and ball sizes
The FA recommends a size 3 ball and a 15 by 10 metre pitch for Under 7 3v3 football. The permitted pitch range is 10 by 15 metres up to 15 by 20 metres, depending on the space available.
The recommended goals are 4 feet by 2.5 feet, or about 120 centimetres by 75 centimetres. Clubs should use safe, properly secured equipment and follow the latest FA and local guidance.
- Format: three players against three players
- Goalkeepers: none
- Ball: size 3
- Recommended pitch: 15 metres by 10 metres
- Recommended goal: 4 feet by 2.5 feet
How long should games last?
The detailed FA guidance recommends individual games of roughly 6 to 10 minutes, with around 30 to 40 minutes of football across a session. The format is designed for several short games rather than one long match.
Local organisers still need to manage breaks, player welfare, weather and the needs of the children in front of them. The purpose is an age-appropriate experience, not squeezing in as much football as possible.
Restarts are designed to keep the game moving
FutureFit uses simple restarts. When the ball crosses the touchline, play restarts with a pass or dribble from the side. Goal kicks can be passed or dribbled back into play, and the opposition should retreat to halfway. Corners can also be passed or dribbled in.
There are no penalties in the 3v3 format. If a foul would normally lead to a penalty, the restart is taken from the touchline level with where the incident happened. Coaches should explain restarts calmly and help children get playing again.
What parents, coaches and clubs should do now
Parents do not need to buy specialist equipment simply because the format is changing. Ask the club how it will organise Under 7 sessions, what footwear is suitable and whether the local league has published its 2026/27 arrangements.
Coaches and clubs should review the official FutureFit resources, speak to their league or County FA, plan enough small playing areas and communicate the changes clearly to families. Treat this Ballrz guide as an explanation, not a replacement for the Laws of the Game or local competition rules.