NEHYL Newsletter Snapshot #18

February 2026

Rain rain go away…it’s been a tough few months for playing football with the weather kyboshing so many games. If ever there was evidence that we need to have more 3G pitches available to support grassroots football.

Looking forward we can but hope that we get back to everyone being able to play every Saturday or Sunday going forwards – in the competitive age groups, Div Secs are trying their hardest to schedule games without going too far into May and being cognisant of school exams and other curricular activities.  In many age groups there is little choice but to schedule Double Headers – if that’s your team then you can find out more about how Double headers work here. And remember you can ask to split the games out if both teams can agree to a midweek date to play.

At this time of year is important to flag that the deadline for new player registrations and player transfers is midnight on Sunday 1st March. And it is essential between now and then that you continue to flag any new registrations or transfers to the age group Div Sec – they don’t have a crystal ball (or receive any sort of system notification) to tell them when a player awaits their approval.

Please do take time to read through all the information in this newsletter – and, as ever, there is a wealth of information on this  website, so if you are ever unsure about anything around the league then this should be your go to first port of call.

Long Kicks from Pass-Ins

Across the country — not just within NEHYL — we’re seeing an increasing trend where players or teams:

• Kick the ball long and high downfield, treating the restart like a free kick
• Use it to gain territory rather than build play
• Undermine the core development goals of short, controlled, and thoughtful play

While this behaviour is not currently “illegal,” it goes against the developmental intent behind removing traditional throw-ins. Therefore, we ask all coaches not to encourage or accept this approach.

Referees and coaches are expected to use common sense. If a restart results in a long, high “launch” downfield, it should be retaken and treated as a teaching opportunity to reinforce what is expected. It’s vital that all coaches at development age groups (U7–U11) consistently encourage players to play short and purposeful passes or dribbles, rather than simply kicking long. We also expect coaches to support referees who ask for a restart to be retaken when this occurs.

Opposition Distance

When a pass-in or dribble-in is taken, the opposing team must be 4.5 metres away from the player restarting play (or 3 metres away in 3v3 matches). Encroachment has become increasingly common, so referees will be asked to be more vigilant in enforcing this rule. Coaches are expected to help by encouraging their players to move back promptly and respect the required distance.

Summary

Our shared aim is to ensure these restarts:

• Encourage technical quality and decision-making
• Support the developmental focus of the game
• Promote respect for officials and opponents

Thank you to everyone supporting U7 to U11 football in helping us maintain the right environment for player development in NEHYL football.

FA FutureFit

FutureFit is the set of changes that will be introduced into the youth game, marking the new direction for grassroots football from the beginning of the 2026/27 season. The changes are based on significant research across the grassroots community; consultation with the best minds in the game; and observing the positive impact the changes have already had in other countries. The results were clear - we need to give every child better opportunity to learn, develop and grow by putting their skills and playing experience first.

As part of the changes, U7 players will move to an exciting 3v3 format, designed to maximise touches, increase engagement, and accelerate player development in a fun, age-appropriate environment.  To help clubs prepare for the upcoming change, Hampshire FA are delivering a series of Showcase Events across Hampshire. This includes the following dates:

• 7th March, Timings TBC | Winklebury Football Complex, Basingstoke
• 12th April, 09:30 start | Crookham Rovers, Cody Sports & Social Club, GU14 0LP

The FA has provided a link at which you can book your place on your preferred Showcase Event here.

FutureFit makes changes across all age groups up to and including U13 – we will be briefing clubs and teams further in the weeks ahead, but you can find out more here. You can also register for the FA online conference where you can join officials from other clubs; those involved in running clubs; and others in the grassroots football community, to learn all about the changes and what they mean to you, your players and your club.

There will be an additional NEHYL event where all current U6 & U7 players will be invited as follows:



• 21st March, Timings TBC | Mixed U6 / U7 3v3 session | Crookham Rovers, GU14 0LP