Football: Breakthrough in Como – no more heading in training for children under 12

A new approach from Como to reduce heading in training sessions for the youngest players: the club has today confirmed a new approach across the entire Academy regarding the management of heading, designed to reduce avoidable impacts to the head, safeguard players’ wellbeing and promote more effective technical development in the long term. The new guidelines stipulate that in the Under-10s, heading is not permitted either in training or in matches. In the Under-11s, heading remains prohibited as a general rule, with its introduction permitted only towards the end of the season and using a lightweight ball. For Under-12s, the technique may be practised once a month, with a maximum of five headers per session, whilst for Under-13s, the limit will be one session per week with the same maximum limit.

“The changes,” explains an official statement, “reflect a simple idea: to prioritise the protection of young players, and then to teach them how to head the ball in a controlled manner once they are ready. In the younger age groups, the focus will be more on contact with the ball, decision-making, actual play and a clear progression that builds confidence and technique step by step.”

“This approach,” Como explains, “follows the latest guidelines for youth football, designed to reduce unnecessary exposure to heading in the younger age groups, gradually introducing this technique as players progress through their development.”

Across the Academy, Como will also continue to carefully manage exposure to heading in the run-up to matches, asking coaches to avoid an unnecessary workload of heading drills in the period immediately before and after matches.

Raphaël Varane, a member of the Board of Education at Como 1907, said: <I have spoken on several occasions about the need to take head injuries in football seriously and the absolute importance of protecting our children. For young players, the best approach consists of clear rules, good training, awareness and a culture in which wellbeing and safety come first. This approach reduces unnecessary contact at younger ages, when the brain is still developing, and then teaches the correct heading technique, step by step, with the right control.”