Como 1907 has introduced a progressive heading ban across its youth academy, becoming the first Italian professional club to restrict headers for young players in an effort to reduce long-term neurological risks in football.
Under the new guidelines, players in the Under-8, Under-9, and Under-10 categories are prohibited from heading the ball in both training sessions and matches. Throw-ins and corner kicks in those age groups must be played along the ground with the feet to encourage technical development and sound decision-making.
An Itinerary for Safe Technical Development
According to the club’s official announcement, the restrictive protocol functions as a gradual “heading itinerary” designed to protect children while their brains continue to develop. The system introduces restrictions dynamically across different age divisions at the club’s training ground in Mozzate.
For Under-11 teams, the prohibition remains the general standard, though technical coaches may introduce lightweight rubber balls toward the end of the season. The Under-12 squad also utilizes lightweight rubber balls, but restricts heading practice to a maximum of once per month with a strict limit of five headers per session. At the Under-13 level, players face a weekly limit of five headers per session while remaining barred from heading during competitive fixtures. Additionally, throw-ins in the Under-13 category must be directed below head height.
Como’s development director, Osian Roberts, noted that limiting headers in youth football actually increases time spent with the ball on the ground and fosters calmer tactical choices on the pitch. To support the transition, the club distributes informative guides addressing frequently asked questions to parents and local families.
Varane Pushes for Global Reform
Raphael Varane, a 2018 World Cup winner with France and a four-time UEFA Champions League champion with Real Madrid, retired from professional football in September 2024 at age 31 after suffering a knee injury during his Como debut. Since hanging up his boots, the French central defender has used his platform to campaign against repetitive head trauma in sports.
Varane explained that his motivation stems from personal experiences, including sustaining two severe concussions by age 16. In interviews, he recalled playing through significant head impacts during high-stakes fixtures, such as France’s quarterfinal match against Germany at the 2014 World Cup following a collision against Nigeria, and Real Madrid’s European clash against Manchester City in 2020 after sustaining a blow against Getafe. Varane has stated publicly that he advises his own children to avoid heading footballs during early development.
“I have spoken several times about the need to take head impacts in football seriously and the absolute obligation to protect our children,” Varane said in a club-released statement. He added that the initiative eliminates unnecessary contact during formative years while preserving the ability to master the technique later in life.
Broader Medical Context and Precedents
Como’s proactive stance mirrors mounting medical concerns across international sports governance. Neuropathological research led by Dr. Willie Stewart has previously indicated that professional soccer players carry a significantly elevated risk of dying from neurodegenerative diseases compared to the general population.
Legal and regulatory actions have accelerated across Europe in recent years. In Scotland, football authorities banned heading in training for children under 12 in 2020. Meanwhile, British courts ruled that England 1966 World Cup winner Nobby Stiles suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) alongside Alzheimer’s disease due to repetitive heading throughout his career.
Como 1907 plans to monitor the implementation of its new youth rules closely alongside coaching staff and families throughout the competitive season.
