Southgate joins study into heading
GARETH SOUTHGATE will take part in a groundbreaking study into football and its links to dementia — after the Government announced their first plans to tackle a ‘looming problem in British sport’. On a major day of developments for Sportsmail’s dementia campaign, the England
manager said he would join other ex-players over the age of 50 who are working with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine’s HEADING project.
Former centre back Southgate will answer a number of questions and assist with tests.
He said: ‘This is an incredibly important issue in our game and I’m very happy to play my part in supporting this research.
‘Having turned 50 last year, I am now eligible to take part in the HEADING study, which could provide crucial and valuable insight to help people who play the game now and in the future.
‘I would encourage any former professional footballer who is willing and able to take part in the HEADING study to do so.’
As well as the HEADING study, the FA are supporting a similar study by the University of Nottingham called FOCUS, which is researching a pre- selected group of ex-players.
The FA’s head of medicine Dr Charlotte Cowie said: ‘ Without the support of former professional footballers who are over the age of 50, it will be almost impossible to take our research and understanding to the next level.’
The announcement of the participation of Southgate came as the Government made their first significant intervention into the crisis by calling two major summits on brain injuries in sport.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden and Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston are to gather evidence from leading sports figures and governing bodies, who are then encouraged to make recommendations to improve player welfare.
The first virtual meeting is to take place on Tuesday and attendees will include football dementia campaigner Dawn Astle, ex-Tottenham midfielder Ryan Mason — who retired after fracturing his skull — and former Leeds Rhinos captain Stevie Ward, who recently quit rugby because of concussion.
Les Ferdinand, Michael Vaughan, Matt Dawson and Simon Shaw — former England stars in football, cricket and rugby union respectively — will also give evidence.
The second summit will involve leaders from governing bodies in football, cricket, rugby union, rugby league, boxing and taekwondo.
Dowden said: ‘I am worried that this could become a looming problem for British sport, so it’s right we come together and agree a way forward.’
Meanwhile, it was confirmed yesterday the Premier League, FA Cup and the top women’s leagues will trial permanent concussion substitutes from next weekend.