In recent years, the FA has introduced many changes to encourage both player development and participation in youth football. At each age group, the number of players per team, pitch and goal sizes and the nature of competition varies. The formats vary slightly for boys and girls. For 2017/18, the following will apply:
Formats for Boys football
| Age group | Format | Ball size | Pitch size (yards) | Goal size (feet) |
| U7 | 5v5 | 3 | 30×20 to 40×30 | 12 x 6 |
| U8 | 5v5 | 3 | 30×20 to 40×30 | 12 x 6 |
| U9 | 7v7 | 3 | 50×30 to 60×40 | 12 x 6 |
| U10 | 7v7 | 4 | 50×30 to 60×40 | 12 x 6 |
| U11 | 9v9 | 4 | 70×40 to 80×50 | 16 x 7 |
| U12 | 9v9 | 4 | 70×40 to 80×50 | 16 x 7 |
| U13 | 11v11 | 4 | 90×50 to 100×60 | 21 x 7 |
| U14 | 11v11 | 4 | 90×50 to 100×60 | 21 x 7 |
| U15 | 11v11 | 5 | 90×50 to 110×70 | 24 x 8 |
| U16 | 11v11 | 5 | 90×50 to 110×70 | 24 x 8 |
| U17/U18 | 11v11 | 5 | 90×50 to 110×70 | 24 x 8 |
Formats for Girls football
| Age group | Format | Ball size | Pitch size (yards) | Goal size (feet) |
| U8 | 5v5 | 3 | 30×20 to 40×30 | 12 x 6 |
| U9 | 5v5 | 3 | 30×20 to 40×30 | 12 x 6 |
| U10 | 7v7 | 4 | 50×30 to 60×40 | 12 x 6 |
| U11 | 7v7 | 4 | 50×30 to 60×40 | 12 x 6 |
| U12 | 9v9 | 4 | 70×40 to 80×50 | 16 x 7 |
| U13 | 9v9 | 4 | 90×50 to 100×60 | 21 x 7 |
Child friendly competition
In 2017/18, girls and boys football for U7, U8, U9, U10 and U11 will operate under the FA guidelines on child-friendly competition. Results of games are not reported, and formal leagues do not operate. Local leagues arrange pool matches for teams of similar ability, interspersed by festivals and tournaments at main venues.
For girls, the divisions are set at the start of the season and readjusted mid-way through to reflect ability levels.
The aim is to focus on player development, enjoyment and participation, and reduce the emphasis, often parent-driven, on winning cups and leagues. Child-friendly competition does not mean that games are not competitive!