FA bans under-12s from heading balls over dementia fear
CHILDREN under 12 have been banned from heading footballs in training amid concerns it causes brain conditions like dementia.
The policy change was sanctioned with immediate effect by football chiefs in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
It will apply to training sessions only and children will still be able to head balls in matches.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “This will help coaches and teachers reduce and remove repetitive and unnecessary heading from youth football.
“Our research has shown that heading is rare in youth football matches, so this guidance is a responsible development to our grassroots coaching without impacting the enjoyment that children of all ages take from playing the game.”
The three football associations yesterday confirmed the changes, which come in the wake of last year’s landmark FIELD study – carried out by Glasgow university and funded by the PFA union and FA.
It showed former footballers were three and a half times more likely to die of brain degenerative diseases than their peers.
England 1966 World Cup heroes Nobby Stiles, Martin Peters and Ray Wilson have been hit by Alzheimer’s disease, while goalkeeping legend Gordon Banks dedicated his final years to raising awareness of the illness. The family of West Bromwich Albion hero Jeff Astle have also campaigned rigorously since his death aged 59 in 2002 from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which was officially linked to heading footballs. Daughter Dawn Astle said: “It’s a huge step. When dad died they said they wanted more research before they did anything and now they’ve got it. “There’s still lots to be done but they’ve put in these guidelines as a result of the FIELD study.That couldn’t be ignored. “We said they have to take early steps to avoid exposing children’s brains to trauma. “Preventing heading in training is common sense.” The associations said the guidance had been produced in parallel with UEFA’s medical committee, which is seeking to produce Europe-wide guidance later this year. The FA of Wales is yet to sign up.