Introducing Future Fit: Key Changes to Youth Football
Clubs may have seen that, yesterday, The Football Association (FA) announced mandated changes to the format of Youth Football (Under 7 to Under 18 age groups) from season 2026/2027.
Whilst all details are not yet announced; many will have significant implications for players and members clubs, coaches and managers.
We attach a link to the initial announcement, which you can also find on The FA website.
As a League (HYFL & HSC) we are committed to working with The FA and all members clubs to ensure that, from September 2026, we are all ready to action those changes.
As we said, ‘many’ consequent changes have not yet been announced by The FA; that is somewhat disappointing that the full package of measures have not been announced by The FA at the same time.
We will work through matters over the coming months.
One question we can answer now, which a few clubs have asked of us.
Will HYFL/HSC be early adopting (i.e. September 2025) the changes?
The Answer is NO.
We want all clubs to have the time to properly consider the changes, and to bring that forward by 12 months would not be fair or equitable.
So, all changes will be from September 2026.
If you have any questions, please do feel free to email us.
Have a good week-end.
Regards
Andy Lowe
HYFL/HSC Chairman & Executive Officer
22 Feb 25