FAR-REACHING plans to overhaul youth football in England have been overwhelming approved by the Football Association.

In total 87 per cent of voters at the organisation's AGM at Wembley backed the proposals this afternoon.

From the 2013/14 season children up to under 11 will play smaller-sided games on appropriately sized pitches, aimed at improving the technical skills of youngsters.

Nick Levett, the FA's national development manager, said: "After 138 roadshows nationwide it was fantastic to get the endorsement of the majority of the grassroots football community.

"These changes are a massive step forward for the future of children’s football in this country."

There will also be big changes to leagues, with season-long competitions replaced by short trophy events and development matches.

It has big implications for how youth football is reported, with only details from the finals of trophy competitions allowed to be published.