After two seasons of the IFAB trial in English football, The FA will now introduce a new rule to phase out deliberate heading in matches in all affiliated grassroots youth football between U7-U11 level over the next three seasons.

This includes all leagues, clubs and any affiliated school football matches – starting with U7-U9 level from the 2024-25 season, then increasing to include U10 level from 2025-26, and U11 level from 2026-27.

From the start of the 2024-25 season for U7-U9 teams, we will be rolling out restarts in the event that a deliberate header takes place, touchline restarts and removing sanctions in the event of a deliberate header in a match.

To read the full statement and learn how the rule will be implemented, click below:

READ STATEMENT

Further guidance can be seen in the two videos below: