No more headers! Como's revolutionary youth policy inspired by Varane

Serie A side Como have become one of the first clubs in European football to introduce a no-heading policy for their youngest academy players, with former France and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane driving the initiative.

The new development pathway eliminates heading in both training sessions and matches for the club's Under-8, Under-9 and Under-10 teams. Even throw-ins have been adapted, with youngsters restarting play by passing the ball along the ground rather than launching it into the air. Heading is then introduced gradually in older age groups using lighter balls before players progress to normal footballs.

Varane, who retired in 2024 after spells with Real Madrid, Manchester United and Como, has become a member of the Italian club's educational board and says the project stems from his own experiences with head injuries.

"When I was 16, I had two big concussions, so I became aware of the risks," Varane explained. "At the youngest ages, when the brain is still developing, reducing unnecessary contact before teaching the technique progressively is the right approach."

The policy is designed to protect young players from repeated head impacts while still ensuring they learn the skill properly once they are older. Como's coaches believe delaying heading rather than eliminating it will improve both safety and technical development.

The move follows growing concern across football over the long-term effects of repeated blows to the head. Several national associations have already introduced restrictions on heading for children, with England and France among the countries limiting heading drills for the youngest age groups.

It is an unconventional change, but one that could prove influential.

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