The Hidden Dangers of Heading: How Soccer’s Most Vital Skill Is Damaging Players’ Brains
Heading, a fundamental skill in soccer, has been linked to significant brain damage in players. Former star player Karen Turner shared her harrowing experience of suffering multiple concussions and the subsequent health issues she faced. Turner described how, at the young age of 13 or 14, she was subjected to a grueling heading exercise during practice that left her concussed and in a state of extreme discomfort.
Unfortunately, Turner’s story is not unique. Former US Women’s National Team goalkeeper Briana Scurry and teammate Cindy Parlow Cone also had to end their careers due to severe concussions. The alarming prevalence of such incidents has prompted players like Brandi Chastain to pledge to donate their brains for further research.
Researchers are exploring the long-term effects of heading on players’ brains, including conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This has led to significant changes on the soccer field, with both England and Spain prioritizing possession on the ground rather than resorting to aerial battles during the Women’s World Cup Final.
To protect younger players, the United States Soccer Federation has prohibited heading for those 10 years old and younger. For children aged 11-13, heading is limited during practice. England’s Football Association also advises against introducing heading until the age of 12 and keeps it as a low priority until players reach the U16 level.
Coaches like Turner have observed a shift in the game, with players arriving at the high school level less proficient in heading but more technically skilled overall. This prioritization of safety has indeed changed the landscape of soccer.
Concussions are a frequent occurrence in soccer, particularly among female players. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that the concussion rate in girls’ soccer is the second-highest among high school sports, following football but surpassing boys’ ice hockey.
The danger of chronic brain diseases, such as CTE, is also a concern for elite-level players. Last year, doctors from Boston University’s CTE Center announced the first diagnosis of CTE in a former Major League Soccer (MLS) player, Scott Vermillion.
Leading experts in the field, including Dr. Robert Cantu from BU’s CTE Center, caution against early exposure to heading in soccer. Cantu recommends delaying heading until high school to minimize the risk of CTE. He stresses that it is not only the number of head impacts but also their intensity that contributes to the development of CTE.
Research conducted at BU’s CTE Center has investigated the impact of head injuries on the brain’s white matter, a crucial area for understanding the long-term effects of heading. Symptoms of CTE can include cognitive issues and memory problems, as well as emotional dysregulation.
While heading remains an integral part of the sport, precautions and reasonable drills can help reduce exposure to head impacts. The English Football Association, for instance, advises players to limit high-force headers during practice to no more than ten per week. Coaches, like Turner, face the challenge of striking a balance between safety and maintaining the integral elements of the game.
Ultimately, the focus on player welfare and brain health supersedes any short-term gain from heading the ball. Striving for safer play strategies will ensure the continued enjoyment and longevity of soccer, while protecting the most valuable asset of all – the players’ brains.
