⚠️ Como, of Italy’s Serie A, made a decision that few clubs dare to put in writing: its youth categories can no longer head the ball.
Behind the idea is Raphael Varane 🇫🇷, former Real Madrid defender, who pushed for an age-based protocol to protect younger children’s brains. In under-10 and under-11, heading is COMPLETELY PROHIBITED 🚫, with corners and throw-ins played along the ground. Only in under-12 is one monthly session allowed, with a maximum of five headers ⚽🧠.
In under-13, the practice is allowed only in training, once a week, but it remains banned in official matches. A plan designed blow by blow, literally, so that football does not cost a child their health.