The Header Burden in Children's and Youth' Football (Soccer)

To assess the realistic magnitude of the header burden in children's and youth' football in eight European countries. In a cross-sectional observational design, one match of 60 different teams in each of the eight European countries were monitored via video recording throughout the second half of the regular season 2017/18 and the first half of the regular season 2018/19. Clubs with (female, male, or mixed) Under-10, Under-12 and female and male Under-16 teams were invited to participate. Header frequencies and types were analysed using standardized heading registration forms. Additionally, head injuries were recorded using standardized head injury registration forms.