In recent months, there has been rising concern among soccer parents caused by reports heading may damage young brains. A study reported in this week's Journal of the American Medical Association found possible risk of chronic traumatic brain injury for amateur soccer players. The report concludes that due to the worldwide popularity of soccer the observations could have important public-health implications. However, there's disagreement over whether this kind of protection is really needed.
Soccer ball meets head.
If done right, the header can be devastatingly effective in a soccer game. But some worry it can be just plain devastating to players themselves. Jostling the brain from impact with a soccer ball, another head, foot, or even goalpost damages brains, according to at least one study of professional soccer players in Holland. Researchers found impaired brain function among the soccer pros compared to a control group. Studies continue, with some expected soon on children, but more and more experts are convinced that there is a risk of head injuries in the game of soccer.