At Carolina Rapids, the safety of our players is the most important aspect of our club, and we already strongly believe in age appropriate training techniques as well as game format and structure to support the proper development of our players. As it relates to concussions and heading training, here are some measures already in place at the Carolina Rapids:
- Free Baseline Concussion Testing with our partners Novant
- Heading is not part of the curriculum for U5, U6, U7, U8, U9 and U10 age groups. The Girls Youth Academy utilizes foam balls 1 or 2 times a year, but does not teach heading with soccer balls on an entire training session.
- The use of the “new ball” technique in the U5, U6 and U7 age group helps to reduce further the chances of any heading or aerial collisions in those age groups.
- U8, U9 and U10 are all taught to utilize the throw in as an attempt to maintain possession and not a 50/50 aerial challenge.
- U9 and U10 – the Goal Keeper cannot punt the ball. Instead the ball must be played on the ground, which reduces the number of aerial challenges.
- The Rapids Playing Style is for the ball to be on the ground, and we try to play through the lines, which should limit the number of aerial challenges.
- U11 and up players at the club have a balanced curriculum that evenly spreads all learning topics throughout the year and career. Heading is given the age appropriate focus it is needed throughout our age groups. When teaching the topic we limit the repetitions for the players, foam balls, 5-10 yard underhanded throws etc when focusing on it within a training session.
- We have introduced Futsal into our curriculum two years ago to further develop our playing style that ultimately limits aerial challenges. A Futsal ball is much heavier than a regular soccer ball which prevents the ball from leaving the surface of the court.
- Our competitive coaching staff are all certified in CPR and First Aid through our partners, Novant.
- Our extensive coaching education within the Adidas Rapids Alliance and Novant Health sees our staff constantly updated in the sports science world.
Heading is a technique within the game of soccer, and it has a fundamental role within the game. The proper technique of heading is introduced to players at an appropriate age. We also recognize the volume and frequency within a training session as well as a season is closely monitored, which is a part of our curriculum. We will continue to monitor and follow developments in guidance received from Novant Health, the Adidas Rapids Alliance and US Soccer to update our approach in this area.