Youth level coaches divided on the topic
Internet Desk: A recent study in the UK has revealed that a potential cause of dementia arises from blows to the head. According to a research on a group of retired footballers it is found that most of the head injuries have caused during the youth ages.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) can cause dementia and, like Alzheimer’s disease, is characterized by a build-up of abnormal tau protein in the brain.
In the United States, heading is already banned for kids of 10 years or below. The Professional Footballers Association is also mulling the idea of banning headers at youth stages. It is just a step to protect against potential harm in later life.
West Brom and England footballer Jeff Astle died in 2002 from a brain trauma reportedly caused by heading heavy leather footballs.
Three of England’s 1966 World Cup squad – Nobby Stiles, Martin Peters and Ray Wilson – also suffered from Alzheimer’s.
Recently former East Bengal and Mohun Bagan footballer Cheema Okorie has raised the debate. In his recent post on facebook the Nigerian footballer, Cheema said, “I am sure that AIFF are aware of the recent awareness on the consequences of heading the ball. Put mildly, in the later years, it takes away all the joy that football brings.”
He added, “We have a chance to change this future for the younger generation.”
“I pray that AIFF recognise the need to make football safe for the kids. In doing so, they can enact the same rule that is being embraced across Europe; the banning of heading in kids’ football.”
“All headers in a match are treated as foul and the opponent is awarded a free kick. This is not a matter for dragging our feet but instant action. The future is better when looked after, now,” said Cheema.
But there is a mixed reaction talking to various grassroots level coaches and who are currently associated with junior level coaching.
According to Monojit Das, “We grew up practicing heading as it is an integral part of football. But a lot of scientific research has gone into modern day football. The modern day coaches with the licenses are implementing what they have learnt. But my question is, if heading is not encouraged at a young age can we see another Sishir Ghosh or a Dipendu Biswas. Already we are experiencing a dearth of talent due to which the supporters have stopped coming to watch the youth football. Personally speaking, heading should be encouraged. The kids should be asked to head the ball with forehead. I do not mind giving them practice with tennis balls as they will get an idea about heading from a young age.”
Former Mohun Bagan footballer and presently the Head of Youth Development at CCFC, Shyam Thapa feels, “They (FA) might think it may be a bit risky for the kids. Heading is an integral part of football. May be they have researched and has arrived to the conclusion. The kids do get injuries trying to head the ball. Also size of balls needs to be looked at. But I am a bit skeptical whether to ban heading among the kids.”
Jahar Das, who has been associated with several academies, welcomed the move. According to Das, “It will be a good initiative. It has been noticed head injuries has brought a fatal end to senior footballers. The kids should be encouraged to play the ball on the ground as much as they can at their age.”
Former footballer and presently the coach of IFA Youth Development, Gautam Ghosh said, “This will encourage passing football and keeping the ball on the ground. The coaches need to be careful while training the boys. The kids have a soft head at such a tender age, so in order to avoid a head injury, I think it is a good move.”
Another former footballer Kalyan Chowbey feels, “There are two ways of looking at it. The kids should be encouraged to play the ball on ground. At the same time we all know heading is an integral part of modern day football.”