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GRASSROOTS football in England is set for a major revamp after the FA announced its plan to implement sizeable changes from 2026.

The new format promises to revolutionise the way football is taught to youngsters, with the FA taking inspiration from the European youth set up.

The first major change is the introduction of a new 3v3 entry format for the youngest players in the pathway at U7s level.

Six to seven year old’s go straight into 5v5 at the moment, but will shift to fielding three players on each side from the 2026-2027 season.

The smaller set up aims to maximise engagement and provide the best introduction to football that will allow kids more touches on the ball.

This means that every increase in playing sides will be pushed back by a year.

For example, U11s will go from playing 9-a-side matches currently, to 7-a-side matches from 2026-2017.

England Football explained: “Each format will be played one year later as players transition through the pathway.”

The next biggest change means that 11v11 which will move from U13s to U14s level.

The FA will also evolve the Laws of the Game that are age-appropriate and best support the overall development of youth players

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For example, amendments have already been made to game restarts for U7s-U9s to increase ball in play time.

The decision was informed by a two-year study of over 400 grassroots games (U6-U14) and insights from stakeholders.

The FA said: “We aim to further improve the experience for young players across the country – giving them more time on the ball, more time on the pitch and increasing their physical activity levels.”

A series of workshops and tools will be provided to support all coaches, clubs and leagues across the country to further understand the changes that will be implemented.

The Director of Football Development, James Kendall, said: “We’re excited about these new changes which follow a two-year period of consultation with the grassroots game.

“Our approach is about evolution, not revolution, helping to increase the levels of engagement, physical activity, skill development and the volume of technical actions for every player.”

The announcement has received a mixed response online.

One footie fan wrote: “Ive seen 3v3 in Europe. You’re all fretting about nothing. Works great and the kids love it.

“Coaches just supervise. No more yelling generic instructions required.”

A second added: “I think it’s great, the kids will get more playing time and more time on the ball to work on their own ability.” 

But another social media user questioned: “But won’t this reduced squad sizes?”

BROADBAND provider Community Fibre has gone down leaving hundreds of customers without access to the internet.

Over 1,000 customers have reported issues with their internet service on the Downdetector website, which measures outages.

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Community Fibre has gone for hundreds of customers[/caption]

London is the worst impacted area, with a small number of households in Birmingham having problems.

It comes just days after the broadband firm suffered a major outage, with thousands of customers logging complaints.

Customers have taken to X, formerly Twitter, to vent their frustrations at this afternoon’s outage.

One said: “Haven’t had a single issue with community fibre since it got installed in 2023, now had two issues in less than a week.”

Another said: “Community fibre is down again in less than one week?!”

Meanwhile, a third added: “Why tf is community fibre down again.”

Community Fibre went down for over 9,000 customers on Monday, with issues starting just before midday.

The vast majority of customers complained about problems with the internet and a handful have completely no service – including access to customer service.

That included its live chat service and phone number.

Community Fibre provides WiFi to 1.3million homes and 185,000 businesses across London, where it primarily operates.

The Sun has contacted Community Fibre for comment.

Grace Jackson flashed her bra as she attended a London Fashion Week event just days after her villa exit.

The model, who bagged the runner-up spot with former fishmonger Luca Bish, glammed up for Paul Costelloe’s runway show on Friday.

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Grace looked chic in a white unbuttoned shirt and a lace bra with a black leather jacket and a pair of matching gloves.

She accessorised with chunky black and gold statement earrings and a bangle on her wrist.

The reality star, who found herself in a love triangle with rival Samie Elishi, posted the photo from the back of a taxi.

She styled her hair in a sleek ponytail and finished her look with flawless makeup.

But her beau Luca was nowhere to be seen as Grace headed to London for the special event.

The pair spent the last month falling for one another on the ITV2 reality show, despite some fans branding it a “showmance”.

Yesterday they packed on the PDA after arriving back in the UK, and met each other’s families as they landed on home soil.

The hit reality show came to an epic conclusion on Monday night, when one of the remaining couples were crowned the winners after spending several weeks in the South African villa.

Casey O’Gorman and Gabby Allen won this year’s All Stars series, with Luca Bish and Grace Jackson placing second, and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Curtis Pritchard placing third.

And after landing, Grace and Luca were seen holding hands as they strolled side by side.

Grace returned to social media amid her “anything to win” screenshots controversy.

She posted a sweet message to fan, writing: “Hey guys!!

“We got our phones back last night and we couldn’t be more grateful for all the love and support.

“Thank you so much – it truly means the world to us.

“Back to the UK we go.”

Later on, Grace posed for an airport selfie with villa pal Catherine Agbaje and a snapshot of their luggage as she wrote: “Goodbye South Africa you’ve been amazing.”

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The pair packed on the PDA as they returned to the UK[/caption]

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Grace returned to social media amid her ‘anything to win’ screenshots controversy[/caption]

GIOVANNI Pernice has slashed ticket prices on his tour as he struggles to sell seats following his Strictly investigation.

The Italian dancer, 34, left the BBC show last year after being accused of ‘bullying’ by actress Amanda Abbington.

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Instagram / @strictlytheatreco

The Italian dancer has over 50 dates planned throughout the country[/caption]

Beeb bosses launched an official probe and upheld six of the 17 complaints against him.

Since then Gio has ditched Strictly for the Italian version – Ballando con le Stelle – while hitting the road for a new tour.

However, The Sun can reveal the dancer is struggling to sell tickets and has slashed prices.

His Last Dance Tour date for Birmingham’s Symphony Hall on Saturday has appeared on discounted website Central Tickets.

While they were originally priced between £36 – £135, fans can snap up seats for just £15.

Giovanni has over 50 dates scheduled for the tour, which will come to an end at the London Palladium on May 4th.

A teaser says: “Giovanni, the Italian maestro of dance, takes centre stage in ‘The Last Dance’, a mesmerising production that transcends the boundaries of live performance.

“With a career rooted in passion, dedication, and unparalleled artistry, Giovanni has become a household name, captivating audiences worldwide with his electrifying performances and unmatched charisma.”

According to his official website, the Italian hunk has only sold out one show date so far.

The Sun has contacted Gio’s rep.

Whilst Giovanni was cleared of being physically abusive to Amanda Abbington, he stressed that it made last year ‘a dark year’.

He said previously: “I’m not going to lie, there were dark moments in terms of, you know, this is finished, this is the end of my career.

“That was one of my down moments. Sorry for my language but 2024 can f**k off. I’ve been looking forward to seeing the back of it.”

REPUBLIC of Ireland defender Jake O’Brien and girlfriend Sophie have announced they are expecting their first child.

The Ireland and Everton star‘s partner revealed the emotional news with a heartwarming video post on Instagram.

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The video transitions to her getting a scan[/caption]

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During the appointment, she showed off the first sonogram[/caption]

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Evan Ferguson led the comments of well wishes to the couple[/caption]

The video depicts Sophie reacting to the initial positive test herself before O’Brien enters the bathroom and is shown the test.

The couple then share a hug before the video cuts to her at a doctor’s appointment at which she gets a sonogram.

She said: “Time for our next chapter ..

“Never felt love like this ”

The comments were flooded with well-wishes, led by the 23-year-old’s international teammate Evan Ferguson.

The on-loan West Ham striker said: “Congrats to the both of use ” while Killian Phillips commented: “Can’t wait to be a godfather”

Ireland and Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone said: “Congrats guys ” while Ireland and Brighton star Mark O’Mahony posted: “Congrats to the both of ye ”

Nathan joked: “Congragulations!!!! That babies gonna be playing in the NBA” and Liam remarked: “Moyes has turned this man into a superstar on and off the pitch. Unreal”

Everton megafan and streamer Ryan Hall said: “Congrats to both of you! Amazing news ”

2025 is turning into the year of a lifetime for Jake O’Brien, between him soon to become a dad and his emergence at Everton.

Frustrated under Sean Dyche since signing from Lyon, he has become a crucial component at right-back under the returning David Moyes.

Everton are unbeaten in their last five Premier League games under the Scot, who was manager for 11 years before leaving for an ill-fated run at Manchester United in 2013.

The peak of that run has been the sensational 2-2 draw with Liverpool in the last Merseyside Derby to take place at Goodison Park.

James Tarkowski scored the equaliser in that game and, speaking to Men in Blazers, he praised the Corkman for his rise.

He said: “It’s not always easy to come to a new club if you don’t get into the team at first, to come into the side and play the way he has.

“He’s still fairly young, he’s still learning, but he’s a physical monster.

“Very good technically on the ball, he’s playing at right-back currently but dealing with the ball very well.

“Defending one-on-one very well, he’s come up against some of the best wingers in the league so far but dealt with all of them.

“So yeah, I’ve been really, really impressed.”

MARNIE Simpson has revealed she is expecting her third child.

The 33-year-old and partner Casey Johnson shared their happy news this afternoon with fans.

Sharing a video clip, she wrote: “Here we go again.”

Marnie and her reality TV star fiance Casey are already parents to Rox, born October 2019 and Oax, who she welcomed in 2022.

The star had a very difficult first birth and while pregnant with her second child she insisted she would not have any more.

She said at the time: “I would not go to three,” she said. “I think you’ve got to find the balance for yourselves.

“We want to enjoy our lives as well. We’ve not waited too long to have kids and I feel like having two, we can give them the best life possible.”

MARTIN Fowler actor James Bye toasted his tear-jerking exit from EastEnders with a bottle of bubbly and cuddles with his co-stars.

In a sweet video, the Enders cast – including Jessie Wallace, Natalie Cassidy and Lacey Turner – could be seen celebrating a job well done as the live 40th anniversary episode came to an end.

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James Bye looked pleased with how the live episode turned out[/caption]

Instagram/@lifewiththebyes

The video was captioned: “More to come… so much more to say… but for now – to Martin & all the EastEnders family – we love you.”

Martin died in ex-wife Stacey Slater’s arms in the closing seconds of the episode.

He had been crushed under a falling steel beam after rescuing Stacey from the wreckage of an explosion in the Queen Vic pub.

In heartbreaking scenes he proposed and planned the next 40 years of their lives before the paramedics told Stacey that he would likely not survive his injuries.

Her heartbroken screams rang out into Walford as Martin died from a cardiac arrest.

Speaking on his dramatic exit, James said: “Saying goodbye is not easy, but after 10 years at EastEnders and on the night of the shows epic 40th anniversary – the time felt right. 

“It’s an honour to leave on a story of this magnitude. 

“A huge thank you to all the fans of the show – EastEnders wouldn’t be what it is without you – and to the BBC and EastEnders team for trusting me with this role for so many years. 

“This fruit and veg man will always hold a special place in my heart. 

“It’s time to look forward, and I’m incredibly excited for what the future holds. RIP Martin Fowler.” 

Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw added: “It’s incredibly sad to say goodbye to James, who has been a much loved loyal company member for 10 years. 

“James’ performance in tonight’s live episode was nothing short of outstanding and one that I know will touch so many of you watching at home due to his loveable portrayal of Martin Fowler, which has made him a firm favourite amongst the viewers. 

“When discussing James’ exit, we knew that we needed to give Martin Fowler the big explosive storyline that his character deserved. 

“To leave the show in such an emotional storyline, during a live episode is something incredibly courageous to do as an actor, and one that I’m sure will cement itself in EastEnders’ history. 

“I would like to thank James for everything he’s given to EastEnders, and although we will all miss him here at Elstree, he will always remain a member of the EastEnders family and we wish him the best for the future.”

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Martin was crushed while trying to save ex Stacey Slater[/caption]

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James spent a decade on the soap[/caption]

RAMSAY Street has been home to the cast of Neighbours for decades, but sadly for viewers, time is once again up for the soap.

In February 2025, The Sun exclusively revealed that the beloved Australian show is being axed for a second time – here’s everything you need to know.

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Neighbours started in 1985 but is now sadly coming to an end[/caption]

Why has Neighbours been cancelled?

The announcement came after production company Fremantle failed to agree a new deal with Amazon, just two years after the streaming service brought the soap back.

A source said: ”Amazon gave Fremantle two years to see if it worked but sadly they just didn’t get the viewers. 

”It’s a really sad day especially for the cast and crew who work on the show in Melbourne. 

”This really is the end of Neighbours just as it’s celebrated its 40th birthday.”

The soap was cancelled by Channel 5 in 2022, before it was later brought back by Amazon.

Channel 5 first began broadcasting the show in 2008, after taking over from the BBC.

Reacting to the news of the axing, one fan took to X and wrote: ”It’s never a good day when a soap is cancelled #Neighbours.”

A second viewer wrote: ”Sad news about Neighbours again been axed from Amazon hope it can be saved again.”

And a third said: ”I can’t believe @neighbours is going to be axed again #Neighbours.”

Final episode

The soap has been a fan favourite both here and across the pond since it first aired in 1985.

Production is now set to come to a close this summer with the final ever episode being aired at the end of the year.

A-list stars

Over the years, viewers have welcomed and waved goodbye to plenty of Ramsay Street residents.

During that time, the soap has been pivotal in the careers of many A-list stars including Margot Robbie who starred as Donna Freedman.

She was on the show from 2008 until 2011, before starring in Martin Scorsese’s blockbuster The Wolf Of Wall Street in 2013.

Speaking on her time on the soap, Margot admitted that she repeatedly cold-called the casting office until she was put through. 

She recalled: ”I don’t know why, I think it was a mistake.

”They asked: ‘How old are you?’ and I said: ‘I’m 17.’

”She said: ‘Oh, we need a 17-year-old girl right now, so come in next week.”

Other big names to have emerged from the show include Russell Crowe, Natalie Imbruglia, Kylie Minogue, Liam Hemsworth, and Holly Valance.

ARSENAL fans may be dreading the prospect of playing Real Madrid in the Champions League – but they needn’t fear.

The Gunners learned their fate for the last-16 of the Champions League on Friday.

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Arsenal could end up playing Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League[/caption]

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The north Londoners boast an incredible record against the Spanish giants[/caption]

Mikel Arteta‘s troops will face Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven in the proper knockout stages of Europe‘s elite club competition.

Awaiting them will be the winner of a tasty Madrid derby between Atletico and Real.

The prospect of facing the 15-time European Cup winners Real has daunted some of the Emirates faithful.

But the north Londoners’ record against Los Blancos is impressive, to say the least.

The Gunners are UNDEFEATED against the Spaniards, who booked their ticket to the last-16 by dumping out Manchester City.

They have only played one another twice in their history, clashing in the last 16 of the Champions League back in the 2005/6 season.

Arsenal fans were left stunned by the stat, with one writing on X: “Literally unbelievable.”

Another said: “They’ve never faced a team like this either.”

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And another said: “Tell ’em again.”

One remarked: “Let me correct you, Madrid never scored a goal against Arsenal, they are our b******s.”

Another chimed in: “Wait, Real Madrid have never beaten Arsenal? Make it make sense.”

Arsene Wenger’s then-troops kept Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham at bay in the first leg, which they drew 0-0.

And club legend Thierry Henry won the return leg with a sensational solo goal, in which he skinned four players before firing the ball past Iker Casillas with his weaker foot.

The Gunners ended up reaching the final of the competition that season but suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Real’s bitter rivals Barcelona.

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Thierry Henry scored the sole goal of the Gunners’ last Champions League clash against Real Madrid[/caption]

MARNIE Simpson has revealed she is expecting her third child.

The 33-year-old and partner Casey Johnson shared their happy news this afternoon with fans.

Sharing a video clip, she wrote: “Here we go again.”