A ban on children heading footballs in training sessions has sparked a mix reaction from parents and sports leaders.

We reported earlier today how the English Football Association announced the move in a joint statement with the FAs in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

It comes in the wake of a study which suggested a link between the sport and dementia.

The FIELD study showed former footballers were three-and-a-half times more likely to die of neurodegenerative disease than others of the same age.

Although there was no evidence in the study to suggest that heading the ball was the cause of the link, the FA says it's taking the stance to 'mitigate against any potential risks'.

The decision has had a mixed reaction from people, with many welcoming the move, but others slamming it as 'ridiculous' and a step too far in mollycoddling today's kids.

Mum Hannah Jackson has three children who are signed to the FA, 12-year-old twins Emily and Matthew and nine-year-old son Jackson.

She has welcomed the new rules, but fears youngsters will struggle with the mixed messages of being able to head the ball in matches but not in training.

"Whilst I am always of the opinion that something that could endanger a person should be evaluated, if you're going to ban heading in the game then ban it completely, not just in training," she said.

Hannah's daughter Emily

"Heading is more likely to be used in the game than training. It's hard to suddenly tell our children not to do this when it's always been a rule they can use."

The mum-of-eight, from Hyde, added: "I think maybe research should have been done at a mixture of ages as well, my lad has played football with the FA for five years now and now it's been decided his heading of the ball could cause later issues.

"Aside from banning heading, what support is in place for my children after they've headed a ball all this time."

Hannah Jackson's son Matthew has already been heading a ball for years and she's worried about the findings of the study

Jenny Brookfield's son Joey plays for the under sevens team at Ramsbottom United and she has other concerns.

"I agree that they need to be cautious as there does appear to be a link between heading the ball and brain injuries, especially for children at an age where their brains are still developing," she said.

"My only thought would be that to allow them to head the ball during a match means they’ll be doing it without having ever been shown how to head it safely. I do wonder if that’s a good idea.

"Although I guess that if they don’t do it in training then it won't perhaps be something that comes naturally to them anyway, so there won’t be as many instances of a ball being headed."

Rob Johnson coaches the under nines at Moorside Rangers in Swinton, where his son Seb also plays.

He's never practiced headers with the team and says the focus should be on the floor - and he thinks the FA has taken the right step.

Rob said: "We haven't ever practiced headers, not because of strong beliefs, just that there is so much you can do without having to work on headers.

"I personally think it's a good move from the FA. When they are so young it is important to look after the kids."

Seb Johnson plays for the under nines at Moorside Rangers in Swinton

Rob says even though footballs have moved on since the 70s and 80s, the death of former England footballer Jeff Astle - who died from a degenerative brain disease due to heading the ball, aged just 59 - and the more recent dementia diagnosis of former Blackburn player Tony Parkes, shows there must be a link and it's simply not worth the risk.

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"Football is played on the floor 95% of the time. You may get one incident in a game where a ball can be headed, anymore than that your kids are getting coached and taught wrong," he said.

"If kids are desperate to head a ball and parents believe they will suffer in games if not practiced, then they could use a sponge ball.

"Parents need to remember it is about kids enjoying, not winning every game. They can always learn as they get older, into high school. Let's not take any chances."

The ban has been introduced with immediate effect and relates to all primary school children.

The FA wants a 'graduated approach to heading training for children in the development phase between under-12 to under-16' and stipulates 'required ball sizes for training and matches for each age group'.

While it's not been unanimously welcomed - with opponents taking to Twitter to slam the 'ridiculous' decision - those working on the ground with youngsters have backed the move.

Salford-based EdStart provides sports coaching and extracurricular school sports clubs across Greater Manchester.

Chris Irwin, managing director of EdStart

Its managing director Chris Irwin said: " At EdStart we see this as a positive move, to make sure children’s health and wellbeing is always viewed as a top priority.

"With a growing UK obesity crisis and more recently increasing mental health issues, staying active has been proven to help equip children with the tools they need to build resilience and promote the importance of wellbeing for all young people. 

"By reducing the risk and worry of a link between football and dementia, it can only be a positive thing – both for children and for parents who may be worried about this. 

"We should be doing all we can to encourage children to take part in sports safely."

What do you think about the ban on headers among primary school children? Are you a parent or coach who is pleased by the move? Or do you believe it's unnecessary? Let us know in the comments or share your views on our Manchester Family Facebook page.