Soccer Heading Rules by Age Group: US Soccer and FA Guidelines 2026

Youth heading rules depend on the governing body, the competition and the player's actual age. Do not assume that permission in one league applies everywhere, or that a training allowance automatically permits heading in matches. This guide explains how to check the requirement before planning a session.

US Soccer: check age and competition rules

US Soccer's concussion initiative prohibits deliberate heading for players aged 10 and younger. For players aged 11 to 13, its guidance limits heading practice to 30 minutes per week and no more than 15–20 headers per player per week. Competition implementation and age-group labels matter: consult the league or state association's current rules rather than treating U labels as identical to birthdays. Some competitions prohibit heading in particular age divisions even where limited practice is permitted.

England: training guidance and match rules differ

The FA's youth training guidance recommends no heading practice for primary-school ages and introduces limited, graduated practice for older groups. Its grassroots deliberate-heading removal is also being phased into selected younger match age groups. Check the current season's FA and competition documents, including the age division and format. A recommendation about training volume is not the same rule as the referee's response to deliberate heading in a match.

Before the session

Write down which rule applies, confirm the age group and count planned contacts across the entire week, not just your own session. A player may train with more than one team. Ask parents or the other coach about additional sessions where necessary without collecting private medical information. If you cannot establish whether heading is permitted, use a non-contact activity while you seek clarification.

Useful alternatives when heading is not allowed

Players can learn to judge the flight without making head contact. Serve a gentle ball for a catch at an agreed position, practise moving away from a marker to reach the landing area, or work on chest control with suitable supervision. These activities develop early movement and decision making without disguising a heading exercise as something else. A softer ball does not override a ban on deliberate heading.

When heading practice is permitted

Choose a controlled service and one clear learning objective. Keep a per-player contact tally, include rest and stop if a player is uncomfortable or technique deteriorates. Do not require extra attempts simply to complete a planned set. Neck strength, good technique or protective equipment cannot guarantee that an impact is safe. Any symptoms after a head impact require the appropriate concussion response and qualified medical guidance.

What parents should ask

Ask which official rule the coach follows, how contacts are counted, and what happens if a player does not want to participate. Request the current competition document rather than relying on a remembered social-media summary. Review our youth rules hub, youth coaching guidance and heading drills together. The final permission comes from the applicable rules, not from this website.