In recent years, there have been changes in how football is taught and played in primary schools and grassroots clubs across the UK. One of the most significant changes is the under-11 football heading ban in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
If you're a primary school teacher delivering football in PE, after-school clubs, or playground games, it’s important to understand why this change was made, what it means in practice, and how to adapt your lessons accordingly.
Why Was Heading Banned in Football for Under-11s?
The kids’ heading football ban was introduced following growing medical evidence linking repeated heading of a football to long-term brain health issues, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other forms of dementia.
Although the risk is much higher with frequent, powerful headers seen in professional football, researchers and governing bodies agree that the safest approach is eliminating heading for younger children while their brains are still developing.
Studies have shown that former footballers are more likely to suffer from degenerative brain conditions than the general population. The idea behind this ban is a proactive move to protect the next generation of players.
What Does This Mean for Primary PE and School Football?
The ban on heading in football for under-11s applies to both training and matches, meaning:
- No deliberate heading should be taught or encouraged in PE lessons.
- Children should not practice heading drills in school or club training sessions.
- In matches, if a player under 11 deliberately heads the ball, a free kick is awarded to the other team.
This is not just a change in the rules; it's a shift in how we think about player safety and development.
How Can Teachers Adapt PE Lessons?
You can still teach football effectively without heading. In fact, removing heading can help pupils focus on mastering the fundamental skills of football:
- Ball control – using feet, chest, or thighs.
- Passing and receiving – along the ground or with low bounces.
- Positioning and movement – understanding space and teamwork.
- Decision-making – choosing the right pass, run, or defensive move.
Try modifying games to encourage ground play only, such as “no ball above waist height” to reinforce safe and creative play.
As a primary school teacher, your role is vital in promoting safe, inclusive, and engaging PE lessons. The kids' head football ban is a step forward in making football safer for young players without diminishing the joy of the game.
Keep the focus on dribbling, passing, teamwork, and creative play, and you’ll be helping children fall in love with football for all the right reasons.
At The PE Hub, we have a wide range of football lesson plans and resources to help with your delivery, including this passing on the move handout
