Could 3v3 change the future of English football from the grassroots up?

A new start for young players

After England’s defeat by Argentina at this summer’s World Cup, manager Thomas Tuchel questioned whether taking possession and controlling games came naturally to English players, unlike players from Spain, Argentina or Brazil. The FA introduced mini-soccer for under-10s in 1999. Until the end of last season, children under seven began with 5v5; the new format reduces that to three players per team. There are no goalkeepers or referees, with the aim of keeping every child involved and increasing touches of the ball.

More time on the ball

John Folwell, the FA’s head of grassroots coach development, said research shows that players with more touches are more engaged. He added that having no goalkeeper or substitutes means children are active rather than watching from the side or standing in goal.

The FA’s guidance says football for under-sevens should focus on enjoyment, not tactics or competition. Children at Collingham FC in Nottinghamshire welcomed the open goals and fewer opponents, saying it made scoring and dribbling easier.

Coaches weigh the trade-offs

Coaches are still adapting to a format introduced only a few weeks ago. At Collingham, one concern was self-officiating and dangerous tackles, as children learn what a safe tackle is.

A coach also worried that a dominant player might take the ball away from less skilled teammates. He said the idea made sense but needed some refinement.

Goalkeeper development debated

The absence of goalkeepers has drawn criticism, with questions about how it might affect children who could become goalkeepers. Folwell acknowledged there are trade-offs but said the FA does not expect the format to harm future goalkeeper development.

He said young players would also develop their ability with the ball, an increasingly important skill for goalkeepers. A parent, Hannah, said her son—who has an older brother—was accustomed to the traditional format and needed time to adapt.

Results will take time

It will be several years before the impact on English players can be judged. The format is also gaining popularity internationally, and Folwell said people who try it often come to understand the approach because children enjoy it.