Jack Anderson: Why the FAI should follow our neighbours’ lead on kids heading

A young girl heads the ball during the Futsal-Cup 2019 in Wuppertal, Germany. It is thought children’s brains are much more susceptible to concussion than those of adults.

Mon, 02 Mar, 2020 - 06:20

Jack Anderson is a professor of sports law and global expert in governance, and regulation. He advises sporting bodies and contributes widely to public debate – as well as being a Limerick hurling supporter.

Last week, in a joint announcement by the English, Scottish, and Irish Football Associations, guidelines were published mandating that there should be no heading of footballs in training for children of primary school age. Furthermore, from age 11 to 18, the guidelines provide for a slow, incremental introduction of heading technique.

FAI interim deputy CEO Niall Quinn has already said that the FAI have been in touch with the various football authorities in the UK and Uefa on this issue. Moreover, under the FAI’s 2015 Player Development Plan, children in Ireland play with footballs which are weighted dependent on their age.