FA introduces three v three matches for under seven football teams

The Football Association has changed youth football rules in England starting this season, reducing team sizes for children under seven from five versus five to three versus three. BBC News reported that the governing body introduced the smaller variation to give young players a better introduction to the sport. [1][3]

For many years, children of all ages played 11 versus 11 matches on full size pitches in England. BBC News reported that the Football Association created mini soccer for under 10s in 1999 to give children more opportunities to touch the ball. Until the end of last season, five versus five matches remained the smallest format used for under sevens. [1]

The Football Association governs football in England and oversees national team activity, as well as affiliations with international bodies UEFA and FIFA. The latest change aims to ensure young players stay more involved during games than they were in larger formats. [1][3]