What are the game formats in football?

3v3

3v3 is a new format being introduced from the 2026-27 season. It’s one of the headline changes being brought in as part of Future Fit.

This format is for U7s. If you want to find more about this format, check out our 3v3 page.

5v5

With the changes, 5v5, and the following formats, are pushed back a year. That means that U8s and U9s will play 5v5 on matchday. If you want to find out more about this format, check out our 5v5 page.

7v7

When players get to the U10 and U11 age groups from the 2026-27 season, they’ll be playing 7v7. If you want to find out more about this format, check out our 7v7 page.

9v9

U12s will continue to play 9v9, but when the changes come into effect, so will U13s. If you want to find out more about this format, check out our 9v9 page.

11v11

Before, players would play the full-sized 11v11 game from the U13 age group. But from the 2026-27 season, U14s and above will play 11v11. If you want to find out more about this format, check out our 11v11 page.

Using formats at training

Traditionally, small-sided formats were reserved for the youngest players. And the aim was to reach 11v11 as quickly as possible. But regularly varying your format delivers serious skill development, no matter your team’s age. So, offer volume and variety at training and tournaments.

Want to increase each player’s actions on the ball? Choose a smaller format to get the ball at their feet more often. Looking to develop tactical returns? Move closer to the format your players experience on matchday to allow them to replicate tactical demand of their game.

And don’t forget that all your players are different. While 3v3 might give one person a familiar setting to deploy their superpower, for someone else, it’s a new challenge. Each time you try a new format, it gives you a fresh lens to see each player. What do they love? What are they good at? Where do they need help?

Remember, each format has its own development benefits – and its trade-offs too.

Coaching tips

Ready to freshen up your formats? Give these techniques a try.

1. Find out what your players need

Pick a format that meets those challenges. For instance, smaller formats like 3v3 and 5v5 are great for maximising individual actions, exploring the ball and developing control. This is especially critical in the skill-hungry years between five and 12.

2. Work on two-player combinations

3v3 and 5v5 are particularly good for developing the two-player combinations (like one-twos and pass and follow) that are important in larger-sided games. At the same time, they still give individual players plenty of actions and repetition. Also, why not give futsal a try? It’s a brilliant format for working on these skills, too. Plus, the change of surface and ball will create an extra challenge.

3. Play simultaneous games

Got a large squad? Instead of organising one big match and subbing players on, try running multiple small-sided games. This gets everyone involved straight away. To develop skills and a love of the game, everyone needs the chance to get in on the action.

4. Vary the area size

Regardless of your format, changing the pitch size can dramatically impact player experience. Smaller areas make for a tight, combative game with quick decision-making and a need to hide, shield and protect the ball. Larger areas, on the other hand, give more time for decisions. They also create opportunities for full-pace sprinting, longer passes and ball striking.

There’s no right or wrong when it comes to picking a format. Along with switching up other factors – like area size or surface – it’s simply part of offering the volume and variety that’s necessary to develop skilful players.