Our 3v3 hub, based on our home pitches next to the clubhouse and Greenfields School, was successfully launched on Saturday 19th September with U7 players in attendance from Hartley Wintney, Fleet Town, Bourne Blades and Eversley & California junior football clubs.

It has been set-up so U7 players across the North East Hampshire Youth League can start the game in the way the FA now intends: small-sided, high-involvement sessions giving the youngest players more touches, more shots, more decisions and more time actually playing, with no goalkeepers and a clear focus on fun first.

How 3v3 works on matchday
Games are simple, 3v3 with no goalkeepers and a strong emphasis on involvement rather than positions or results.

Squads rotate through short games of between 6–10 minutes so every child plays up to 40 minutes of football on our 15m x 10m compact pitches with brand new 4ft x 2.5ft goals.

Why the club is doing this?
3v3 is the FAs entry format for players at U7s so they get to be more involved in the play and have the best introduction to football.

It is now part of our entry pathway into junior football and to U8s 5v5 football the following season.

What was wrong with 5v5 for U7s?
It is not that there is anything wrong with 5v5. But 3v3 encourages more touches on the ball, more playing time for young players and more opportunity to develop their skills.

How to join?
For parents of children who are at least 6 years or who are interested in helping run hub sessions, you can use the Ready to Join page on the club website.

HWJFC remains a volunteer-run, mixed-ability club. Future Fit changes how the youngest age group plays. It does not change what we stand for: football that is inclusive, enjoyable and built around the child.