Due to the urgent need to improve skills and technique among young English players, from next season competitive leagues in the under-eight age group will not be allowed.
 
The FA's Director of Football Development, Sir Trevor Brooking, a former England international, said: "It's widely accepted that we need to improve the skills and technique of players in this country.

"At the moment we are not at the same level as other countries. In the youngest age groups, there's too much emphasis on winning leagues, often to satisfy parents and coaches. That's what we're looking to change. We need better, more skilful players coming through.
 
"Of course, we are not banning children from competing against each other in football. Every game played is competitive, but undoubtedly having league tables at this age is not helping their development. It is the league tables being stopped rather than matches."