Serie A club Como to limit heading in youth teams, ban for U10

Published Jul 26, 03:49 PM UTC

Serie A club Como has announced new measures for its academy youth teams to limit heading of the ball, aiming to protect young players' brain health. The policy, supported by former Manchester United defender and Como board member Raphael Varane, phases in heading restrictions by age group. At under-10 level, heading is banned entirely, with throw-ins and corners replaced by ground passes. Older age groups (U11-U13) will use light rubber balls and strict limits on headers per session. The club emphasizes reducing repetitive head impacts and promoting technical development. The move follows broader guidance from football governance bodies and mirrors similar efforts by the English FA to phase out heading for children under 12.