Unprecedented Step: Italian Club Bans Heading in Football

Italian football club Como has announced a complete ban on heading the ball in its youth academy for ages up to 11, aiming to protect young players' brains. The initiative is led by former defender Raphaël Varane, who serves as a consultant at the club. From age 12, limited heading is allowed with lightweight rubber balls, up to 5 times per month. The move aims to reduce concussions and improve technical skills.

Italian Serie A club Como has announced the implementation of an innovative and groundbreaking program in its youth academy: a complete ban on heading the ball in the youngest age groups. The step aims to reduce the risk of cumulative brain damage and concussions at ages when the brain is still in critical stages of development. The initiative is led by former France, Real Madrid, and Manchester United defender Raphaël Varane, who currently serves as a member of the club's educational board. Varane shared from his personal experience: "From my personal experience, when I was 16 I suffered two severe concussions, so I was very aware of the risk." Under the new framework, children's teams up to age 11 will not head the ball at all—neither in training nor in official matches. Corner kicks will be resumed with a low pass on the grass, and throw-ins will be executed as a low foot pass. From age 12, players will be introduced to heading technique carefully and gradually: practice will be limited to at most once a month, using lightweight rubber balls and with a ceiling of up to 5 headers per player per training session. Besides the health aspect, the club notes that the change is expected to improve the technical and tactical abilities of young players. Como joins a growing trend in Europe, following football associations like England and France that have begun imposing similar restrictions on heading in youth ages.