The Football Association has today (24th Feb 2020) announced updated Heading Guidance for all age groups between Under 6 and Under 18, in association with the Irish and Scottish FAs.

The updated Heading Guidance, which will be introduced immediately, will provide grassroots Clubs, Coaches and Players with the recommended heading guidance for training sessions. The guidance does not make any changes to the way matches are played.

The updated Heading Guidance includes:

• Heading Guidance in training for all age groups between U6 and U18
• No heading in training in the foundation phase [primary school children]
• Graduated approach to heading training for children in the development phase
between Under 12 to Under 16
• Required ball sizes for training and matches for each age group

• No changes to heading in matches, taking into consideration the limited number of headers in youth games

Download the Heading Guidance

THE FA HEADING GUIDANCE - Download / Open