Como 1907 have become one of the first Serie A clubs to introduce a comprehensive ban on heading for their youngest academy players, following guidance from former World Cup winner Raphael Varane.
The policy, announced on Thursday, eliminates headers entirely for players under the age of 11. In a significant departure from traditional youth coaching, corners at that level will be taken as throw-ins played along the floor, removing the incentive to head the ball in match situations.
For the Under-12 age group, heading can be introduced gradually using a light rubber ball, but sessions are capped at a maximum of once per month, with no more than five headers per training session. Across all age groups in the Como academy, coaches are instructed to minimise "repetitive and unnecessary heading exposure" and to avoid using over-inflated balls.
Varane, who joined the club last summer and sits on Como's Board of Education, has been a vocal advocate for reducing head impacts in football. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid defender has spoken publicly about the long-term brain health risks associated with repetitive heading.
"I have spoken several times before about the need to take head impacts seriously in football and the absolute need to protect our kids," Varane said. "For young players, the best approach is clear rules, good coaching, comprehension and a culture where welfare and safety come first."
He added: "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."
The club insists the ban will not hinder technical development. Instead, it will be offset by an increased focus on ball possession, decision-making and time on the ball — skills that align with the philosophy of head coach Cesc Fabregas.
Como's move places them at the forefront of a growing conversation in European football about the risks of head injuries at youth level. While the modern football is lighter than in previous decades, medical research on the long-term effects of repeated heading remains inconclusive, and a number of governing bodies — including the English Football Association — have already introduced heading restrictions in youth training.
With Varane's influence on the education board and Fabregas's technical vision on the pitch, Como are positioning themselves as a club that prioritises player welfare without sacrificing developmental quality.
Sources
- https://football-italia.net/como-ban-headers-for-youth-academy-players/
