Scotland set to ban children from heading football in games

The Scottish FA is set to ban children under 12 from heading the ball.

The move, which would make Scotland the first country in Europe to make the changes, follows a report linking dementia to football.

Experts at the University of Glasgow found former professional players are three and a half times more likely to die of degenerative brain disease.

A ban on children heading the ball has been in place in the US since 2014.

The move, which would make Scotland the first country in Europe to make the changes, followsareport linking dementia to football.

An insider said: "The new presidential team are determined to be proactive on such a serious issue affecting the national game.

"While the study says the findings can't automatically be applied to the grassroots game, they are absolutely clear that this should not mean doing nothing in the meantime but being proactive and open to radical steps if appropriate.

"This is not just about young people heading the ball in matches but taking steps to remove repetitive heading practice in training."

Last week Dr John MacLean, the Scottish FA's chief medical consultant, said: "Through work with the Scottish FA and Uefa, what we have started to do is put together some sensible guidelines.

"Some simple things like limiting heading training for young players, perhaps to one session per week to allow the brain to recover."

The Scottish FA insider told broadcaster the BBC: "It's a clear statement of intent and whatever is considered the most appropriate by the board and the medical team should have no obstacles to implementation," they said.