Doc backs ban but wants it taken further
Rule change plan for kids 12 and under
An academic from Stirling University studying the lasting effects of head trauma in soccer has welcomed a proposed m o v e by Scottish football’s governing body to stop young players heading balls.
The Scottish Football Association looks set to impose a ban on children under the age of twelve heading balls over fears that it can lead to brain diseases, such as dementia, in later life.
Dr Angus Hunter says that any move to reduce the amount of head impacts a child receives is a positive step.
Researchers from the university, including Dr Hunter, have been studying the long lasting effects heading footballs can have in adulthood.
In November 2017, the Observer told how football legend Alan Shearer was shining a light on their efforts in a documentary screened on the BBC.
The former England and Newcastle United forward presented the documentary ‘Alan Shearer: Dementia, Football and Me’ in which experts from the university put him through a series of brain tests. The aim was to assess the risks associated with repeatedly heading a football and whether this can lead to the development of dementia.
However, Dr Hunter says the latest proposal could “send the wrong message” to aspiring young players. Speaking to the Observer this week, he said: “It potentially sends a the wrong message to kids at 13 and over. “I’m a bit concerned that after the age of 12 the brain is still very much developing, so by bringing in the ban it sends the message that after the age of 12 you’ll be fine, it’s open season, you can do an many as you want and that’s definitely not the case. “After that age they are getting stronger and they can head the ball with more force so if anything, the impact of the head against the ball are going to be even harder after the age of 12.”
Dr Hunter is calling for “clear guidance” for coaches on the lasting impacts of heading