Italian Serie A club Como have announced they are banning heading until the under-11 team after consultation from board member the former France star Raphael Varane.
Varane retired in 2024 after a glittering career with Les Bleus, Real Madrid and Manchester United but suffered head injuries during his time as a player.
Heading will be banned in training and games with throw-ins taken by passing the ball on the floor with feet for youngsters in the under-8, under-9 and under 10 set-ups.
"From my experience, when I was 16 I had two big concussions so I was aware of the risk," Varane said in a video posted by Como on Friday.
"I had the luck during my career to meet some very specific staff; some medical professionals.
"I learned a lot from them. I learned a lot from them about the effect of concussion," the 33-year-old added having finished his career with the side based on the famous lake in the Alps.
Como 1907 today confirms a new academy wide heading pathway designed to reduce avoidable head impacts, support player welfare and encourage better long term technical development.
— Como1907 (@Como_1907) July 24, 2026
The changes reflect a simple idea. Protect young players first, then teach the skill in a… pic.twitter.com/koo2P3fQJi
Governing bodies across Europe have introduced similar rules due to a worry about brain development.
England's FA is phasing out all heading in youth football up to under-11 level and in France it is prohibited until under-10.
"At a young age when everything is developing it's really important to delay the amount of heading and the amount of impact there is," Como's head of player and coaches' development said.
"By delaying it, bringing it in gradually over a number of years, we can help protect the players," the former Wales assistant coach added.
Earlier this month, a court ruled England 1966 World Cup winner Nobby Stiles died with a brain condition caused by repeatedly heading a football.
Expert analysis of his brain showed his severe dementia was as a result of Alzheimer's disease but also the condition, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which has been associated with head trauma from heading a ball.
Other sports such as American football and rugby union have been linked with brain injuries for decades due to the contact nature of the disciplines.