FA to phase out heading from youth grassroots football over next three seasons

Implementation of the rule will be a gradual process starting with U7 to U9 levels from next season, followed by U10 level from 2025 and U11s from 2026.

The Football Association has announced a plan to phase out deliberate heading in matches involving players under the age of 12 over the next three seasons.

The move follows the successful completion of a two-year trial instigated by the International Football Association Board (IFAB).