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.❌ Como has become the first club to ban headers in their youth academy following guidance from Raphaël Varane.🗣️ Varane: “This pathway reduces unnecessary contact at the youngest ages, when the brain is still growing.”pic.twitter.com/HlUtXiC6JE https://t.co/3zz2IMRZes— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) July 25, 2026 Varane, who retired in 2024 after spells with Real..