Como bans heading for under‑10 youth football to protect brain health

Italian Serie A club Como has introduced a new pathway in its academy to curb head impacts among young players. At the under‑10 level heading is completely prohibited in training and matches; throw‑ins are taken along the ground and corners are played as low‑level throws. For under‑11 players heading may be introduced later in the season with a light rubber ball, while under‑12 players will practice heading once a month with a maximum of five headers per session. Under‑13 heading remains "carefully limited" to once a week with the same five‑header cap and throw‑ins are performed below head height. Across all age groups coaches are instructed to reduce repetitive heading and avoid over‑inflated balls.

The policy was championed by former France defender Raphael Varane, who sits on Como’s board of education. Varane, who suffered two concussions at 16, said the initiative is “very close to my heart: protecting the health of young players.” He highlighted the need for clear rules, good coaching and a culture that prioritises welfare.

The move comes as research increasingly links repeated head impacts in football to neuro‑degenerative conditions such as CTE. Como hopes its approach will set a precedent for youth academies worldwide, aligning with broader guidance from the Italian Football Federation to limit heading exposure.