Nae mair HEID THE BAWS
Scots expat Neil can’t believe USA has stopped kids using the noggin
Heid the baw – an expression that resonates throughout Scotland in more ways than one.
Whether it’s a last-minute goal or an almighty saving clearance, fans revel in seeing their players put it all on the line for their team.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be displayed in a gruesome manner like Terry Butcher’s bloodsoaked headband and jersey but supporters appreciate the art of heading a ball.
Whether you look in Scotland at the likes of Derek Johnstone, England at Alan Shearer, or anywhere else in the world, remove the aerial ability from someone and they wouldn’t be quite the same.
That’s why former Scotland ‘B’ cap Neil Collins reckons a recent rule change in the United States to ban heading for players aged 10 and under in soccer is a crazy move.
The 33-year-old centre-back now turns out for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the second tier North American Soccer League.
Playing alongside the likes of former Chelsea and England hero Joe Cole, he often ref lects on his younger days as a physical specimen at Queen’s Park and Dumbarton.
Af ter being bought by Mick McCarthy and Sunderland as a youngster in 2003, he went on to play at Wolves, Leeds and Sheffield United among others.
But after many years in the game
Collins can’t believe his biggest skill as a kid has been outlawed for youngsters in America.
Heading the ball was banned in the United States for children aged 10 and under over concussion fears a year ago.
The rule changes from US Soccer came after a lawsuit against them called for action because nearly 50,000 concussions were recorded
among high school soccer players in 2010 – more than those recorded in baseball, basketball, softball and wrestling combined.
Collins said: “Where does this leave me as from the age of nine I used to practise heading every day with a Mitre Mouldmaster ball?
“For those of you too young to know what that particular ball was like, just think of a netball/ cannonball or as my dad would say ‘A clubby’.
“Growing up my dad always told me if I wanted to become a professional footballer I would need to be exceptional in one specific area of my game.
“I a lwa y s pl a y e d centre- back and used to attack the ball aggressively when the ball was in the air.
“I would spend hours heading balls. Working on my timing so I was meeting the ball at the highest point and if possible wel l above everyone else.
“Considering that I am 6ft 3in with a very good vertical jump I had all the ingredients to be excellent in the air.
“I bel ieve I was completely dominant in the air at under 16 and under 18 level but I quickly realised I still had a lot to learn as I moved up to reserve team level at Queen’s Park in Scotland.
“In my fi rst few reserve games I struggled aerially as far more
exper ienced st r i kers would bodycheck me or nudge me enough for them to win the header.”
On the subject of concussions Collins’ time in America has made him view the issue differently.
He said: “Gone are the days when someone can get knocked out, sit up and count the number of fingers the physio is holding up and then carry on playing.
“When I look back at my career I wince at some of the head and facial injuries I’ve experienced and the way they have been dealt with.
“Playing centre- back in the English football league has done nothing for my good looks!
“I have suffered multiple broken noses, a broken cheekbone, stitches to my eye, lip and face. “I distinctly remember one game, away to Colchester United in the FA Cup, where I played with a lump the size of a golf ball on my forehead. I couldn’t head the ball for the pain. “I struggled through the 90 minutes and my face was yellow by the end of the match as the internal bleeding began to spread. I have always been able to play through the pain barrier and duly carried on playing.
“In hindsight, however, should a medical expert not have made the decision for me and insisted I was removed from the field of play?
“Is that not where the ultimate duty of care really lies?
“I can understand the thought process of stopping children from heading the ball at an early age as it will protect their brain while it is still developing.
“But surely at a young age children could sti ll learn to head the ball with a sponge ball or even a balloon.
“They can learn the technique without constantly heading a size five leather ball.
“I actual ly think the rule change will have an adverse impact and cause more injuries.
“How do you play a game of football when you can’t head the ball? What do you do when someone crosses the ball in the box?
“Players will more than likely start trying to control the ball or kick it in a very dangerous fashion, increasing the number of fouls
given for high feet and reckless challenges. When the players are old enough to head the ball I predict that their technique and timing will be so poor it will cause even more injury problems for them and their opponents.”
Part of a franchise that has launched a campaign to join Major League Soccer, Troon-born Collins doesn’t know where his future lies.
With four young kids and one year left on his deal, he’s dreaming of living in America forever. He said: “It’s so strange being here for Christmas because I’m usually freezing to death but now I’m in a t- shirt and shorts.
“The lifestyle here is great and this is a hugely ambitious club. I just want to play for as long as possible.
“I have done my coaching badges and there a re plent y of opportunities over here so I am keeping my options open.
“We get back into training in January for the Florida Cup. “Wolfsburg, Bayer Leverkusen and River Plate are coming to play us so it will be a tough test. It will be the perfect way to prepare for the new
season.”
I remember a game I played with a lump the size of a golf ball on my forehead