Heading banned in Great Britain: why this measure protects young footballers
On 24 February 2020, the English Football Association (FA) officially banned heading in training for children under the age of 12. This measure, which has also been adopted in Scotland and Northern Ireland, follows an alarming study by the University of Glasgow in 2019. For parents who are concerned about their children’s safety during football camps, this ban raises legitimate questions. At what age can heading be introduced safely? Which countries have adopted similar measures? How are European academies adapting their training programmes? Looking For Soccer – the leading French platform for booking football camps in France and abroad – tells you everything you need to know about the reasons behind this ban, compares international approaches and guides you towards football camps that place safety and technical development at the heart of their teaching methods.
Why is heading restricted for children ?
Heading exposes the skull and brain to repeated impacts, often underestimated when technique is poor and neck muscles are underdeveloped. Observational studies have highlighted an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases among former professional players, prompting UK federations to adopt enhanced precautions for youth.
Children’s brains are particularly vulnerable to repetitive micro-trauma, even without immediate concussion symptoms. Medical bodies therefore recommend minimising deliberate head impacts, especially before age 12, prioritising foot technique, coordination, and game understanding over aerial play.
Key definition: Heading involves striking the ball with the head, often in training repetitions that accumulate sub-concussive impacts.
The study that changed everything: the link between heading the ball and dementia
In October 2019, the University of Glasgow published a study that shook the world of football. Researchers analysed the medical data of 7,676 former Scottish professional footballers and compared it with that of 23,000 people from the general population. The findings were clear: ‘There is a 5x higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a 4x higher risk of motor neuron disease and a 2x higher risk of Parkinson’s disease in former professional footballers than in the control population.’
Scientists point to the repeated impact of the ball on the head throughout a career. Unlike violent and visible concussions, these cumulative micro-traumas often go unnoticed but can cause long-term brain damage, particularly in children whose brains are still developing.
The emblematic case of the 1966 World Cup champions tragically illustrates these findings. Of the 11 English starters who lifted the World Cup, 6 developed dementia: Bobby Charlton (diagnosed in 2020, died in 2023), Nobby Stiles, Martin Peters, Jack Charlton, Ray Wilson and Terry Dyson. These players, who played at a time when heavy leather balls were filled with water, made thousands of headers during their careers.
Measures taken in Great Britain: what has changed since 2020
Faced with these alarming figures, the English Football Association (FA) reacted quickly. On 24 February 2020, it announced a ban on heading in training for all children under the age of 12 affiliated to its clubs. Scotland and Northern Ireland adopted similar measures.
The exact rules applied in the United Kingdom
For children under 12:
Total ban on heading during training sessions
Mandatory use of lighter balls (size 3, circumference 57-60 cm) up to U10
In official matches: no ban (children perform an average of 2 headers per match)
For 12-16 year olds:
Gradual and controlled introduction of heading
Specific dedicated sessions, limited in time
Use of adapted balls and safe learning techniques
For professionals:
Since 2021, the Premier League has recommended limiting headers to 10 per week in training
Enhanced protocol in case of suspected concussion
This approach is based on the precautionary principle: protecting children’s brains during their critical development period, while preserving the overall learning experience of football.
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UK rules on heading: England, Scotland, and beyond
UK national associations (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales) have progressively introduced guidelines to regulate heading in youth football, focusing on training.The core principle: no dedicated heading practice for the youngest, with gradual, limited reintroduction from early teens.
Simplified rules by age group (based on public FA guidelines):
- Under 12s:
- No dedicated heading sessions.
- No repetitive heading drills.
- 12–16 years:
- Gradual introduction in game situations.
- Strict limits on repetitions; avoid intensive series.
- Use lighter, controlled-pressure balls.
Guidelines target training first, where repetitions pose the greatest risk, unlike isolated match incidents.
Explore our England camps compliant with FA rules
Does the heading ban hinder your child’s progress?
Restricting heading does not slow overall development. Modern programmes emphasise:
- Foot technique quality (control, passing, shooting).
- Motor coordination and proprioception.
- Game intelligence, vision, and off-ball movement.
Before age 12, these fundamentals drive long-term success anyway. Heading is introduced progressively later: lighter balls, low frequency, precise technique (core bracing, protection, positioning), once neck strength and body control mature.
Key takeaway for parents: Limiting intensive heading in childhood does not prevent a motivated player from becoming complete later, but reduces potential brain micro-trauma risk.
How UK camps adapt to these rules
Reputable England and Scotland setups have updated programmes to comply with national directives and brain health precautions. In practice:
- Near-total absence of repetitive heading for young categories.
- Focus on control, passing, finishing with feet, scanning.
- Clear concussion protocols (immediate stop, assessment, no rushed return).
Looking for Soccer partner camps in England strictly follow FA rules for U8–U12 and U12–U16. Contents maximise technical/tactical growth within heading limits set by local authorities.
Looking for Soccer camps in England and Scotland feature:
- 1:8 coach-to-player ratio for close monitoring and rapid incident response.
- Professional facilities (hybrid/synthetic pitches, equipped changing rooms, recovery areas, video rooms).
- Structured medical oversight: mandatory medical certificate, included liability insurance, on-site professional first aider for residential camps, continuous supervision.
Looking for Soccer camps affected in the UK
Looking for Soccer offers U8–U12 and U12–U16 camps at top UK clubs/academies, all aligned with local safety and heading rules:
England:
- Arsenal FC (London/Guildford area).
- Chelsea FC (Godalming). Chelsea FC camps
- Liverpool FC (Derby). Liverpool FC camps
- Manchester City (Manchester). Manchester City camps
- Tottenham Hotspur (Leicester).
- West Ham United Foundation (London).
- LaLiga Brighton (Brighton).
Scotland:
- Rangers FC (Glasgow).
Looking for Soccer England camps have followed FA rules strictly since 2020. Parents get transparent, reassuring frameworks for progressing, protected children. England camps.
UK vs other countries: heading rules overview
| Country/Federation | Heading rule <12 years | Heading rule 12–16 years | Training focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (England/Scotland) | No dedicated sessions; no repetitions | Gradual, limited reps; lighter balls | Foot technique, coordination |
| France (FFF) | Recommendations on concussion; less formal heading ban | Monitored, progressive | Balanced skills France camps |
| Spain | Academy adjustments; precaution focus | Controlled introduction | Technical mastery |
| Italy | Similar youth limits emerging | Progressive | Tactical awareness |
| Switzerland | Aligned with UEFA precautions | Limited reps | Game intelligence |
The UK leads in public communication and strict directives. Compare all our European camps via country pages.
Choosing a safe camp if heading concerns you
Key criteria for concerned parents:
- Coaching: Reasonable ratio (e.g., 1:8); qualified staff trained in concussion/heading risks.
- Facilities: Quality pitches; age-appropriate balls; on-site medical referent.
- Content: Minimal/no heading pre-12; gradual post-12; footwork/coordination emphasis.
- Transparency: Protocols queryable; end-of-camp individual reports.
Looking for Soccer prioritises these: Over 5,000 young players trained, 150+ camps across 10 countries/4 continents. Rigorous selection covers coaching, facilities, safety, pedagogy—including responsible heading. Residential camps and age tags: 8 years, 10 years, etc. Find the ideal camp for your child
FAQ: Heading ban, safety, and UK camps
From what age can a child head the ball in the UK?
UK guidelines typically ban dedicated sessions before 12, with gradual, strict limits from 12–16, mainly in training.
Is heading completely banned in U12 matches?
Public measures target training repetitions first; matches aim to limit deliberate headers and ban intensive youth work.
Do these rules stop my child progressing?
No—pre-12 progress relies on foot technique, coordination, vision, fully addressed in modern camps.
Why is the UK so strict on heading?
Federations cite science linking cumulative head impacts to future neurodegenerative risk, applying strong precaution for children.
How do Looking for Soccer’s England camps handle heading?
They follow FA rules: age-based limits/no heading, adapted gear, clear shock/concussion protocols, tight 1:8 ratios for monitoring.Contact an advisor – England camps | Scotland camps+5,000 players trust us—secure your spot today