Kouma bans heading for his players under the age of ten
Paris - AFP - Italian football club Como has decided to implement a program within its youth academy aimed at “reducing unnecessary head impacts,” including a ban on heading for players under the age of ten.
The former Real Madrid defender previously spoke in 2024 to the French sports newspaper L’Equipe about the concussions he suffered during his career, calling for improved care and prevention.
Raphaël Varane, who retired in 2024, said on Como’s website: “I have spoken repeatedly about the need to take head impacts in football seriously, and about the absolute duty to protect our children.”
The former Lens and Manchester United player added: “For young players, the best approach is based on clear rules, proper supervision, sound understanding, and a culture that prioritizes well-being and safety above all else.”
He continued: “This approach minimizes unnecessary contact from a very early age, when the brain is still developing, and then teaches the technique correctly, step by step, with appropriate control.”
The adopted program bans heading in training sessions and matches (with throw-ins and corners taken on the ground) for players under the age of ten. Similar restrictions apply to the under-11 category, with heading introduced at the end of the season using a lightweight rubber ball.
Older age groups will be gradually introduced to heading, with the number of head impacts allowed per training session limited, and the use of over-inflated balls avoided.
The French Football Federation has banned heading for age groups from under-6 to under-9 (allowing it in limited amounts between under-10 and under-13 categories, and fully permitting it from the under-14 category onward).
England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have also banned heading during training for teams featuring players under the age of 12.
In recent years, several former professional players and the families of seven other deceased players have filed lawsuits against various governing bodies of British football, accusing them of being “fully aware” of the risks of concussions and brain injuries to which players were exposed, without taking necessary measures.
