Bringing in limits is a sensible approach
“I THINK it’s a sensible step to take – there’s no downside.
“There’s not that much heading in under-12 football but I think it’s a sensible approach by the SFA. The English FA should follow suit.
“When I was a kid, I was heading the ball on a Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday and didn’t think much about it. But if I was aware of the findings of Dr Willie Stewart, I might have thought differently about it.
“I’ve thought a lot about the issue and have a personal link as my dad is in a home.
“I believe football should be doing more and banning heading for under-12s is a sensible and logical step.
“Limiting heading practice as you go up through the age-group teams would seem sensible, too.
“Nobody was ever calling for a ban on heading the ball. They already have restrictions for younger age groups in America and I don’t actually think it’s that big a deal.
“After we all woke up to the damage done by smoking, no parent would allow their child to smoke. With this issue, it’s the same thing.
“I’ve had the kids doing heading drills before they were 12 because I understood the importance of practice but, understanding what we do now, that wouldn’t have happened.
“When I go and visit my dad now and see the state he’s in, it tells me a common-sense approach should be taken.
“If I knew 10 years ago what I know now I would have chosen to do things differently.
“After this research, people can decide for themselves when they get older on how often they want to head the ball.
“With kids, it’s responsible parenting as much as anything else.”