What every coach and parent needs to know about 3v3

What every coach and parent needs to know about 3v3

From It's Only Kids Football by Ben Welch and Mike Clark

May 22, 2026 · 47 min · Season 1

About this episode

The episode explores the new 3v3 format for under-7s in youth football and its implications for coaches and parents.

In this special episode, hosts Ben and Mike travel to St George’s Park to investigate "Future Fit"—the FA’s biggest youth football restructuring in over a decade. The episode dives into the new 3v3 format for under-7s, exploring why more touches and game time are the key to developing confident, skilful players. Featuring insights from former England internationals Glen Johnson and Rachel Yankey, alongside Clare Daniels (Senior National Development Manager for Innovations & Solutions) and John Folwell (Head of Grassroots Coach Development), the episode tackles the "no goalkeeper" controversy and offers advice for parents on navigating the often-toxic grassroots sideline. Whether you’re a coach worried about logistics or a parent wondering where the keepers went, this is a must-watch guide to the new era of the English game. A closer look at 3v3: https://futurefit.englandfootball.com/futurefit/a-closer-look-at-3v3/index.html Everything you need to know about FutureFit: https://futurefit.englandfootball.com/futurefit/index.html Football DNA is the ultimate platform for coach and player development: https://footballdna.co.uk/sessions/ Power your grassroots team with effortless…

People in this episode

Hosts: Ben Welch, Mike Clark

Guests: Glen Johnson, Rachel Yankey

Topics covered

  • youth football
  • 3v3 format
  • grassroots coaching
  • parenting in sports
  • player development

Keywords

  • 3v3 format
  • youth football
  • grassroots
  • coaching advice
  • player development

Sponsors

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: FA, Football DNA, Football Discount Kits

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