When it comes to giving children the best start in life, sport has always played a vital role. Now, England Football is taking it a step further. With the launch of the Future Fit initiative, the Football Association (FA) is setting a new standard for youth football across the country – one that puts fun, fitness, and inclusion first.
From the 2026/27 season, children aged 6 to 13 will see a fresh approach to the game, built on research, feedback from grassroots communities, and successful youth models across Europe.
What is Future Fit?
Future Fit is England Football’s plan to evolve grassroots football for children. Based on extensive consultations with clubs, coaches, players and parents, it will introduce new formats, including smaller team sizes, more game time, and revised rules that encourage more touches on the ball and increased participation.
The goal? To make football more fun, more active, and more developmentally appropriate for kids at each stage of their journey.
How Will Future Fit Benefit My Child?
Here’s how this initiative stands to make a huge difference in your child’s sporting experience:
- Smaller Teams = More Involvement
By introducing 3v3 formats for Under-7s, Future Fit ensures every child gets more time on the ball. With fewer players on the pitch, children naturally become more involved in the game. This keeps them engaged, active, and excited to play.
- Age-Appropriate Game Progression
Rather than jumping too quickly into full-sized football, Future Fit proposes a slower progression:
- Under-11s will play 7-a-side, not 9-a-side.
- Full 11-a-side football will now begin at Under-14, rather than Under-13.
This gives children time to build confidence, grow into the game, and develop at their own pace, helping prevent burnout and over-competitiveness.
See the rationale behind the changes
- More Active Playtime = Better Fitness
By adjusting restart rules and focusing on reducing downtime in matches for Under-7s to Under-9s, children will spend more time moving and less time waiting. The outcome? Higher energy improved physical health and greater enjoyment.
- Confidence Through Participation
Future Fit aims to build confidence through inclusion. Young players who are often left out or overshadowed in larger games will now find themselves with more opportunities to contribute, express themselves, and feel part of a team.
Discover how young people benefit from engaging roles in sport
- Safer, Happier Environments
Focusing on enjoyment over winning encourages better behaviour, improved communication, and a more welcoming atmosphere. This sets the foundation for children to develop lifelong social and emotional skills, on and off the pitch.
Why This Matters Now
With childhood obesity on the rise and many children spending less time outdoors, initiatives like Future Fit are more important than ever. By rethinking how football is delivered at the grassroots level, the FA is giving every child – regardless of skill, background or confidence the chance to fall in love with the game.
Future Fit also responds to growing calls from parents and educators for more movement-based, inclusive, and engaging after-school activities that nurture more than just physical skills.
A New Era of Football Learning
The Future Fit program aligns with some of the most progressive approaches to youth sport seen in Europe, including those in Belgium and Germany, where technical skills and game intelligence are prioritised in early years.
It draws on findings that show younger players thrive when they:
- Touch the ball more
- Make more decisions during play
- Are free to explore movement and creativity
- Receive guidance in a safe and non-judgemental environment
Related research on the benefits of early physical education
What's Next for Parents?
Over the coming months, the FA will provide more information, training and resources to clubs, coaches, and parents to ensure everyone is ready for Future Fit’s rollout. Local workshops, toolkits and online support will help explain what’s changing and why.
So, if your child is already involved in grassroots football or you’re thinking about enrolling them this is a great time to get involved.
You can start by:
- Following your local club or coach for updates
- Visiting WZ Academy Page
- Encouraging your child to stay active, curious, and excited about the game!
How Can You Get Your Child Involved?
The Future Fit programme is not just about football, it’s about preparing young people for life. It’s about giving them confidence, resilience, and joy through play. Whether your child dreams of being the next Bukayo Saka or simply wants to make new friends, the new grassroots football model offers a place for them to thrive.
As a parent, knowing your child is playing in a system that prioritises their growth, well-being and happiness is a win in itself.