Como bans heading in youth academy up to age 11

Italian Serie A club Como 1907 has introduced a new protocol that forbids heading for players in its Academy up to the under‑11 age group. The ban applies to both training sessions and matches, with the ball being played with the feet for goal‑kicks and corner‑kicks. For older age groups the club will re‑introduce heading only gradually, using lightweight balls and limiting the number of attempts per session. The rule was adopted after the club consulted former French international Raphael Varane, who now sits on Como’s Board of Education. Varane, who suffered two serious concussions at age 16, said, “When I was sixteen I had two severe concussions, so I understood the risk. Protecting young brains is essential.” The move follows a broader European trend to reduce repetitive head impacts in youth football and aims to protect developing brains while still teaching technical skills in a controlled manner.