Heading will no longer be permitted in football matches for players under the age of nine starting from the next season. The Football Association has introduced a new regulation to gradually phase out “deliberate heading” in youth football, with the age restriction extending to under-11s within the next two years.
The decision comes after a two-year trial involving approximately 16,000 teams and 107,000 players nationwide. Beginning next season, all leagues, clubs, and affiliated school matches from Under-7 to Under-9 levels will adhere to this new rule. This regulation will expand to include Under-10 matches from the 2025/26 season and Under-11 matches from the 2026/27 season.
In addition to the heading ban, throw-ins in these age categories will be replaced with a pass-in/dribble-in method to ensure more ground-based play.
This change is driven by concerns regarding the potential risks of regular heading on players’ health, including the increased risk of developing dementia. The FA emphasizes their commitment to improving safety in the sport and will continue to invest in research projects to gain a deeper understanding of this issue.
The phased implementation of this rule aims to support players’ transition as they move from deliberately heading the ball in grassroots youth football to introducing heading at the U12 level when players transition to secondary school.
Throughout this transition period, the FA will conduct research, review, and analyze the implementation of the new rule to enhance the player and referee experience. They will also update heading guidance for training to align with game requirements and provide technical support to coaches and players for a smoother transition into heading the ball in matches.
