Serie A club Como limits heading in youth academy, bans it entirely for under-10s

Published Jul 26, 03:49 PM UTC

Serie A club Como has introduced new measures for its youth academy to limit heading of the ball, aiming to protect young players' brain health. The policy, announced on July 26, 2026, bans heading entirely for under-10s, with throw-ins and corners replaced by ground passes. Heading technique is gradually introduced from under-11 level using light rubber balls, with strict limits on frequency. Former Manchester United defender Raphael Varane, who sits on Como's board of education, endorsed the approach, citing the need to reduce head impacts during brain development. The club's head of development, Osian Roberts, said the policy allows focus on technical skills. The move follows broader guidance from football governance and the English FA's 2024 plan to phase out heading for children under 12.