FA Reduces Under-7 Football to 3v3 in Bid to Boost Player Development

The Football Association (FA) has officially moved the under-7 age group in England from 5v5 to 3v3 matches, a change implemented this season. This significant alteration to grassroots football aims to fundamentally alter the developmental pathway for young players, with the goal of enhancing engagement and skill acquisition.

This new format, which eliminates goalkeepers and referees, is based on two years of research involving the analysis of over 400 games from under-6 to under-14 levels, conducted by the FA in collaboration with Liverpool John Moores University. The core principle is that a reduced number of players on the pitch will lead to more ball touches per player, consequently increasing involvement and the frequency of goal-scoring opportunities.

"All of the research done demonstrates that those players having more touches of the ball are more engaged in the game," John Folwell, the FA's head of grassroots coach development, told BBC Sport. "They are also making more decisions and are engaged in more physical activity, so that is the thinking behind it. There are no goalkeeper and no substitutes, so everyone is active in the game. They are not sitting on the side watching their mates play, or they are not standing in goal watching their friends play. They are actually involved in the game."

While the concept is rooted in research, the transition to 3v3 presents logistical challenges for clubs and coaches. The need for more pitches and increased volunteer support to manage simultaneous games has been noted. Michael Bland, a coach for Collingham FC's under-7s, highlighted the difficulty of overseeing multiple games at once when parent volunteers are limited. Concerns have also been raised about self-officiating and ensuring safe tackles are taught in a format without referees.

Mick Goodwin, a youth football coach since the 1990s, expressed apprehension that a dominant player might monopolize the ball in a 3v3 setting, potentially limiting touches for less skilled players. He also noted instances of players shooting from the halfway line, suggesting the need for refinement in coaching approaches.

One particular point of discussion has been the absence of goalkeepers in the 3v3 format, which lasts for only one year before progressing to 5v5 at under-8 level. Folwell addressed these concerns, stating that the FA does not believe this will be detrimental to the development of future goalkeepers. He explained that players in 3v3 still develop blocking and defensive skills, and improve their ability on the ball, a crucial aspect for modern goalkeeping. He also pointed out that goalkeeping is not necessarily an early specialization position, citing examples of players who became goalkeepers later in their careers.

England is not alone in adopting the 3v3 format for its youngest players; similar structures are already in place in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway, indicating a growing global trend. "It is the first year of adoption and obviously these things can take time to implement and for people to accept change," Folwell commented. "What we have seen is that once people have experienced it they tend to be a convert and understand why we are doing it, because the children really love it."

The long-term impact of the 3v3 format on the development of English footballers will only become evident in the coming years.