The following Clubs have registered to be part of the 3v3 Future Fit initiative for the 2026-27 Season:
If your club is interested and your not listed above - please complete the form below and let us know. Showing which clubs are interested we hope will inspire others to register.
From the 2026–27 season, the FDYFL will introduce 3v3 football for Under 7 teams, in line with The FA’s Future Fit initiative.
Extensive research by The FA shows that smaller team formats help young players develop key football skills more effectively. With fewer players on the pitch, children get:
As this is the first year of the change, the FDYFL will introduce the format in a way that works with our current home and away fixture structure.
Our aim is simple:
More football, more development, and more fun for the children.
Each fixture will consist of:
This structure aims to provide approximately 40 minutes of football per matchday.
Matches are played on one standard 5v5 pitch, divided into three smaller 3v3 pitches.
The home team is responsible for setting up the pitch, including:
Parents and spectators must stand well back from the playing area to allow players space to enjoy the game.
Clubs may register up to 12 players in their Under 7 squad.
However, due to the pitch format (three simultaneous 3v3 games), the FDYFL strongly recommends that no more than 10 players attend each matchday.
At this age group it is common for players to occasionally miss matches due to illness, family commitments or other activities.
Clubs should:
One of the key principles of the 3v3 format is avoiding players sitting on the substitutes bench.
Rolling substitutions are permitted if teams choose to use them, although teams should aim to maximise playing time for all players.
The minimum matchday squad size is 6 players.
If a team arrives with fewer players than expected, coaches should communicate with each other before the match and agree how best to organise the games.
Possible solutions include:
The aim should always be to ensure as many children as possible are able to play.
At Under 7 level the priority is always ensuring the children get the opportunity to play.
If squad numbers are lower than expected on matchday, coaches should work together to find a solution that allows the games to continue.
Coaches can also mix players between squads to create balanced 3v3 teams.
The Under 7 format is non-competitive, and most children simply want the chance to play football, even if that means playing alongside or against different teammates for a game.
We appreciate that some players may initially feel unsure about this. Coaches should support their players and help develop confidence, teamwork and positive sporting behaviour.
The league expects clubs to adopt a flexible and cooperative approach in these situations to ensure fixtures go ahead wherever possible.
The following equipment standards apply:
There are no referees at Under 7 level.
Instead, coaches act as Pitch Facilitators.
Their role is to:
This approach helps players:
There are no goalkeepers in 3v3 football.
Players should be encouraged to keep the ball on the ground and develop ball mastery.
Modern football increasingly requires all players, including goalkeepers - to be comfortable with the ball at their feet. Learning these skills early is an important part of development.
Rock, paper, scissors is a fun and quick way for players to decide who starts.
There’s no heading or penalty kicks in 3v3. Any free kick must be at least 3m from the goal.
A player must be in their opponent’s half for a goal to count when shooting.
All restarts allow the player to dribble or pass the ball into play.
This applies to:
Opponents must retreat at least 3 metres for Free Kicks, corners and Side-lines restarts.
For goal line restarts, opposition players retreat to their own half of the pitch.
After a goal, the game restarts with a goal line restart for the team who’s just conceded.
After a goal is scored, all players (from the team that scored) return to their goal line.
At Under 7 level:
The focus is entirely on development and enjoyment, rather than competition.
Expectations for Coaches
Coaches set the tone for the matchday environment.
We encourage coaches to:
This format is designed to increase player involvement and decision-making.
Let the children play, explore and learn.
Expectations for Parents and Spectators
Parents and spectators play a vital role in creating a positive football environment.
We ask that parents:
All teams participating in the FDYFL must:
Only registered players are permitted to take part in fixtures..
The FDYFL is pleased to support The FA’s Future Fit initiative.
Like any change, it will take time for everyone to adapt, and the league will continue to review how the format works during the season.
Our shared goal remains simple: To provide a safe, enjoyable and development-focused football environment where young players can fall in love with the game.