Heading will be banned in all football matches for players aged under-9 from the start of next season.

The Football Association have announced a new rule to phase out “deliberate heading” in youth football, with the age limit being increased to under-11s within two years.

The decision follows a two-year trial which involved around 16,000 teams and 107,000 players across the country.

From the start of next season, all leagues, clubs and any affiliated school matches from Under-7 to Under-9 level will play under the new rule. This will extend to include Under-10 from 2025/26 and Under-11 from 2026/27.

If a player does head the ball then an indirect free-kick will be awarded and taken from the point where the ball was deliberately headed, unless that was in the penalty area in which case it will be from the nearest sideline of the penalty area where the offence took place.

As part of the changes, the FA will also replace throw-ins in these age groups with a pass-in/dribble-in to ensure the ball stays on the ground for longer periods.

There are growing fears that regular heading of a ball increases the risk of footballers developing dementia.

“We continue to play a leading role in reviewing and improving the safety of our game,” state the FA.

“This includes investing in and supporting multiple research projects in adult football to gain a greater insight and understanding of this complex area.

“The gradual introduction of the new rule over the next three seasons will support the players’ journey as they adapt from deliberately heading the ball in grassroots youth football matches.

“It has been decided that as grassroots players move from primary to secondary school, heading the ball will be introduced at this natural transition point in their U12 season.

“Throughout this period, we will research, review and analyse the way that it is being implemented to help identify ways of improving the experience for players and referees.

“We will also continue to review and evolve the current heading guidance for training to ensure it meets the requirements of the game. This includes providing coaches and players with innovative technical support and guidance so that they can prepare for the transition into heading the ball in youth matches.”

As part of the trial, the FA wanted to improve players’ development and see the removal of throw-ins alongside the heading ban as a step in that direction.

The FA also stated: “Our aim is to also create more technical opportunities for players with the ball at their feet, allow for more effective playing time, and to reduce the amount of time the ball is in the air during a match.”