The U7 to U10 age groups have been following the new “No Deliberate Heading” laws since the start of the season. The attached guidance breaks this information down by age group (up to U18), including ball size, heading frequency during training and game context.

As part of this FA initiative, throw-ins were replaced with either a Dribble-In or Pass-In – as is the case for any free-kicks for mini-soccer, the opposition must be 5 yards/4.5 metres away from where the Dribble-In or Pass-In is to be taken.

A pass-in is not a big kick up field; it should be to another player – so, if this is not followed do expect the Referee to ask the player to retake the Pass-In.

In summary:
• No heading in training in the foundation phase (primary school children)
• Graduated approach to heading for children in the development phase U12-U16
• U18 heading drills should be reduced, to take into consideration the heading exposure in matches
• Don’t over inflate the footballs: use the lowest pressure authorised by the Laws of the Game

These videos from England Football Learning may help explain further:
https://youtu.be/jP_DzpoMSXg?si=mHAV8E84PYJFeW_0
https://youtu.be/zoBwWcntmmU?si=B40TtEaHtmYLhM47