The updated Heading Guidance will be introduced immediately and provide grassroots Clubs, Coaches and Players with the recommended heading guidance for training sessions.

The Guidance, which does not make any changes to the way matches are played, includes:

• Heading Guidance in training for all age groups between Under 6 and Under 18

• No heading in training in the foundation phase (primary school children)

• Graduated approach to heading training for children in the development phase between Under 12 to Under 16

• Required ball sizes for training and matches for each age group

• No changes to heading in matches, taking into consideration the limited number of headers in youth games

As a club we will be encouraging all of our teams and coaches to ensure they are following these new guidelines with immediate effect.

The full Heading Guidance is available to view here, or you can visit the FA website to read more information on the background and research behind the new guidance.