Como, Italy - Como 1907 today confirms a new academy wide heading pathway designed to reduce avoidable head impacts, support player welfare and encourage better long term technical development.
The changes reflect a simple idea. Protect young players first, then teach the skill in a controlled way when they are ready. At the youngest ages, the focus will be more time on the ball, more decision making, more effective playing time and a clear pathway that builds confidence and technique step by step.
The approach follows recent youth football guidance designed to reduce unnecessary heading exposure in younger age groups, while supporting a gradual introduction of the technique as players move through the development phase.
Across the academy, Como 1907 will also continue to manage heading exposure carefully around match play, with coaching staff asked to avoid unnecessary heading load in the period immediately before and after matches.
Raphaël Varane, who sits on the Como 1907 Board of Education, commented: "I have spoken several times before about the need to take head impacts seriously in football and the absolute need to protect our kids. For young players, the best approach is clear rules, good coaching, comprehension and a culture where welfare and safety come first. This pathway reduces unnecessary contact at the youngest ages, when the brain is still growing, and then teaches the skill properly, step by step, with the right control."
Osian Roberts, Head of Development at Como 1907, continued: "Development is about the environment you create for the player. At these ages we want more time with the ball, more scanning, more problem solving and more calm decision making. Limiting heading at the youngest ages supports that. Then we introduce it later in a structured way, with clear limits, so players learn the technique with care and confidence."
Academy rules
Under 10
No heading in training or games
Throw ins are taken by passing the ball on the floor with the feet
Corners are taken as a throw in played on the floor
Under 11
No heading in training or games as a general rule.
Heading technique may be introduced in the final part of the season
This would be with a light rubber ball
Corners are taken as a throw in played on the floor
Under 12
Heading technique is taught once a month with a light runner ball
Maximum once a month, maximum five headers in a session
Matches follow FIGC rules
Como 1907 will continue to encourage a possession based style
Under 13
Heading remains carefully limited in training
Maximum once a week, maximum five headers in a session
No heading in games
Throw ins taken by hand but directed below head
All ages
Coaches will reduce repetitive and unnecessary heading exposure
Over inflated balls will be avoided
Como 1907 will share a parent FAQ and coaching guidance alongside the new rules, and will review the implementation with coaches and families throughout the season.