WILL HEADING SOCCER BALLS BEOME OBSOLETE?

There are more official pronouncements that soccer players, parents, and coaches need to take notice…that the repetitive heading of a soccer ball is now being linked to CTE build-up, just like concussions in football.

According to Rory Smith in the NY Times, over in England, their Football Association has just instituted a trial program in which players under the age of 12 will not be allowed to head a soccer ball in practice. The Football Assn will decide in a couple of years whether this will become a permanent rule.

Since 2020, the Football Assn in England’s guidelines have recommended that all players, including professionals, should be exposed to no more than 10 high-force headers a week in training.

 What will eventually happen? That heading will fade away from the sport? I asked the highly-respected head boys soccer coach, Matt Allen, of Byram Hills HS in Armonk, NY to come on my show to discuss this key and timely issue. Take a listen here: The Sports Edge with Rick Wolff