Don’t ban headers: teach kids to master the ball instead

Players practising HeaderPrep exercises. Supplied: Football NSW World Cup fever is peaking and many hope it will encourage more young players into the game. Dr Kerry Peek is leading the way in promoting education and preparation around heading as young players learn to play and love football. Heading in football is a hotly contested issue. Dr Kerry Peek from the University of Sydney says it's time we made moves to ensure the safety of the game for Australian kids - but a blanket ban for young players isn't the answer. She is as concerned as many parents about growing evidence linking repetitive heading to long-term brain health issues. As a concussion spotter for the FIFA U-20 World Cup and FIFA Women's World Cup, and an international expert in sports-related head and neck injuries she's well aware of the risks - particularly for females who appear to be more prone to concussions.
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