Heading to be banned in under-11 football and below in England after trial

17-May-2024 12:23:37 | Guardian

Deliberate headers to become punishable with a free-kick
Decision comes after two-year Ifab trial to ‘reduce potential risk’

Deliberate heading is to be banned in matches at under-11 level and below in England, the Football Association has confirmed, as it continues a process of “reviewing and improving the safety of our game”.

Heading will be phased out from games involving children of primary school age over the next three years, a move that follows a two-year trial period. Deliberate headers will become an offence punishable with a free-kick and there will also be an end to throw-ins, with the traditional restart replaced by “pass-in/dribble-ins”.