A ban on heading for under-12s is to be trialled in England from the start of the upcoming football season, it has been announced.
The FA has announced this afternoon that it has been granted approval from the International Football Association Board [IFAB] to remove deliberate heading from matches across under-12 level and below for the 2022-23 season.
In a statement, the FA said it will now invite leagues and competitions across the country to take part in the trial, which will be coordinated with the County FA network, leagues, clubs and schools throughout the country.
Should the trial be a success, the aim is to then remove deliberate heading from all football matches at U12 level and below from the 2023-24 season.
This step will bring matches across these age groups in line with current heading guidance for training, which already recommends that heading is eliminated or restricted at this level.
The move comes after growing calls for heading to be restricted for children, citing the growing links between historic head impacts and neurodegenerative disease as the reason for urgent action.
The FA made a formal application to the IFAB to trial a ban on deliberate heading in matches across U12 level and below following the successful introduction of its heading guidance for training ahead of the 2021-22 season.
The guidance for training in English football was established in partnership with key stakeholders across the grassroots and professional game following consultation with coaches and medical experts in football.
The aim was to help mitigate against any potential risks that may be linked to heading the ball, including injuries from head to head, elbow to head, or head to ground contact, and it represents a cautious approach to playing and enjoying football while ongoing research continues in this area.
The FA said: “If the trial is successful, we will apply to IFAB for a Law change for all U12 matches and below from the start of the 2023-24 season.
“We will continue to explore further ideas, in consultation with stakeholders in the game, to reduce heading in youth football without fundamentally changing the fabric of the game.
“We will continue to work with the IFAB on the next steps and delivery of the new trial to remove deliberate heading across U12 level and below from the start of the 2022-23 season, and further information will be announced in due course.”
The move has been hailed by campaigners who have called for greater protections for children.
Dr Adam J White, executive director of Concussion Legacy Foundation UK, said: “This is a huge step for football here in England.
“This will not only prevent concussions but is a meaningful attempt to End CTE. This is a sport trying to have fewer hits, with less force and LATER in life.”
