Youth Heading Guidelines: A Coach & Parent Guide
Federations around the world have rewritten youth heading rules over the last decade. Here's what US Soccer, the English FA, and IFAB say — plus a practical framework for introducing heading safely.
The current rules by federation
US Soccer (United States)
- U11 and under: No deliberate heading in matches or training.
- U12 and U13–U14: Check competition match rules. Training limited to 30 minutes per week and no more than 15–20 headers per player per week.
- Older age groups: Consult the applicable federation and league guidance; do not assume unrestricted practice.
The English FA (England)
- U7–U11: No deliberate heading in training.
- U12: Maximum one session per month, maximum five headers per player.
- U13: One session per week, maximum five headers per player.
- U14–U16: One session per week, maximum ten headers per player.
- U18+: Recommended cap of 10 higher-force headers per week in training.
IFAB / FIFA
IFAB has not written heading age restrictions into the Laws of the Game, but supports national federation research. FIFA endorses graduated introduction and matches most European federations' recent guidance.
England's FA announced the removal of deliberate heading from affiliated grassroots matches through U11 by the 2026–27 season. That match-rule phase-in is separate from the training limits above. AYSO publishes its own division rules, including a 12U ban where the division includes players younger than ten. See the full youth heading rules guide for the distinctions and current sources.
A coached introduction, only where rules allow it
- Week 1–2: Neck strength only — chin tucks, isometric holds, resistance band work. No ball contact.
- Week 3–4: Foam ball or under-inflated size 4. Toss-and-head from close range, standing only. Max 5 reps per session.
- Week 5–6: Standing partner headers with a soft ball. Emphasis on contact point and eyes open.
- Week 7+: Introduce short jumps and low-height serves. Still under 10 reps per session.
Warning signs to stop immediately
- Any headache during or after training.
- Dizziness, nausea, or blurred vision.
- The player flinches or closes their eyes repeatedly — a sign the ball is too hard or too fast.
- Neck pain — indicates poor technique or under-developed neck strength.
Concussion protocol
If a player takes an unusually hard header, or two headers clash heads, remove them from training immediately and follow your federation's concussion protocol. When in doubt, sit them out — no header, no game, is worth long-term brain risk.
The example progression is not a universal weekly programme: at FA U12, ball-contact sessions must respect the monthly limit. Foam-ball practice still counts as heading and does not exempt a player from a ban. Reduce avoidable exposure, keep a weekly contact log and never promise that technique or a softer ball prevents concussion.
Official guidance
- U.S. Soccer: U11–U12 age-group guidance
- U.S. Soccer: U13–U14 age-group guidance
- AYSO Player Development Initiatives
- The FA: grassroots match-rule phase-in
- The FA: youth heading training chart
- CDC HEADS UP: responding to suspected concussion
Train this skill
Train it safely
Age-appropriate progression, then technique work within the rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can kids head the ball in soccer?
Check the governing body and competition first. U.S. Soccer's current age-group guidance prohibits heading in U11 practice and games, and limits practice at U12 and U13–U14 to 30 minutes weekly and 15–20 headers per player weekly. England's FA removes deliberate heading from affiliated grassroots matches through U11 in 2026–27 and has separate training limits.
Are headers allowed in U12 soccer?
U.S. Soccer's U12 guide specifies practice limits, not a blanket U12 match ban. AYSO bans heading in a 12U division if it includes players younger than ten. England's U12 training guidance is one session per month with no more than five headers; its announced grassroots match ban reaches U11, not U12. Check your league's actual rules.
What are the US Soccer heading rules?
The current U11–U12 guide says no heading in practice or games at U11. At U12, and in the U13–U14 guide, practice is limited to 30 minutes per week and 15–20 headers per player per week. These are weekly limits, not a per-session allowance.
Can U11 players head the ball?
No heading in practice or games under U.S. Soccer's U11 guidance. AYSO also bans it at 11U and below. The FA's announced grassroots match-rule phase-in reaches U11 in England in 2026–27; its training guidance does not introduce heading at U6–U11.
When did US Soccer ban youth heading?
U.S. Soccer announced its youth safety initiative in November 2015, with implementation beginning in 2016. For coaching today, consult its current age-group guidance and your competition's rules rather than relying only on the original announcement.
What age can you start heading in soccer?
There is no worldwide starting age. U.S. Soccer introduces restricted practice at U12 in its current guide. The FA allows a very limited U12 training introduction. Permission is not a requirement: readiness, parental communication, qualified supervision and local rules still matter.
Are headers banned in youth football?
Some youth age groups have bans, but there is no worldwide FIFA ban. National associations distinguish match rules from training guidance. England's affiliated grassroots match ban reaches U11 in 2026–27; U12 and older should not be described as banned without checking the competition.
What are AYSO heading rules on headers?
AYSO bans heading in practice and matches at 11U and below and at 12U if the division includes players younger than ten. Its published 14U rule limits practice to 30 minutes weekly and 15–20 headers per player, with no match restriction at that division. Ask the region how its rule applies to your roster.
Is heading dangerous for children?
Heading creates head-impact exposure, and collisions can cause concussion. Research does not establish a risk-free number of headers for a child. Follow age restrictions, minimize exposure and stop immediately for symptoms. Correct technique and a softer ball do not make heading risk-free.
When performing a header, which part of your body should you use?
The broad, flat forehead just below the hairline, not the crown, temple or face. Only practise when heading is age-appropriate and allowed by the governing body. Brace the neck without flicking the head, track the ball and use controlled trunk movement.