Monday 19 March 2018 09:24, UK
A UK brain injury charity, Headway, has said there is not enough evidence available to support a ban on children heading footballs.
The United States has had a restriction on under-10s in place for three years, a move advocated by the Professional Footballers' Association, while UEFA said it would consider implementation if its own study provided sufficient evidence.
Headway has questioned the validity of picking an age at which youngsters are allowed to begin heading, while calling for urgent research to be carried out.
A major study into the long-term effects of heading and potential links to dementia and brain damage commissioned by the Football Association and PFA began two months ago but initial findings are not expected for at least three years.
"It is important that all measures to protect the welfare of children playing sport are introduced without discouraging participation," a Headway spokesperson said.
"When it comes to heading footballs the reality is that we don't have enough evidence yet to draw a meaningful conclusion, and that is something that should have been rectified a long time ago.
"Introducing bans on children heading footballs, using an arbitrary age of 10, for example, without robust evidence to support such a move, is not something Headway currently supports.
"While well-meaning, we have concerns that the unintended consequences could include dissuading children to be active and play football, when in very young age groups heading is not commonplace.
"In addition, it may also give the impression to parents of children in slightly older age groups that heading is perfectly safe for them when in fact we simply don't know.
"We urgently need more research - particularly research that has meaningful implications for today's game.
"Until that time, we have to ensure we take a common sense approach to the issue of heading modern, lightweight footballs that doesn't put people off from playing the sport."
