Richard Luscombe Argyle Community Trust and Head for Change are working in partnership to educate players, parents, and coaches about the strong associative links between Repetitive Head Impact and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. Together we will deliver a HeadSAFE education package to increase awareness, strengthen our knowledge, and find solutions to mitigate risk whilst enjoying the sport we all love.
Head for Change is a start-up charitable foundation pioneering positive change for brain health in sport and supporting ex-players who are affected by neurodegenerative disease as a result of their professional sporting career in football or rugby.
Despite research showing that footballers are 3.5 times more likely to suffer from neurodegenerative disease, 86% of the football people involved in the season long HeadSAFE pilot project had not heard of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). 100% of the people involved thought the problem is no longer relevant today because they mistakenly thought that today’s footballs are lighter than footballs from the 60’s and 70’s. Evidence shows this is incorrect, and this widely held misconception highlights the urgent need for education.
Staff and students in Devon and Cornwall were given HeadSAFE training using a combination of classroom-delivered sessions and practical game-based learning. The group discussed ways to tailor coaching to get the best from players whilst mitigating the risk of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
Players learnt about how their brains function, the importance of our brains, different types of brain disease, how to help those suffering from dementia, and how to make choices that will protect their brain health.
Argyle Community Trust Operations Manager Jason Chapman said: “We are delighted to have partnered with the team at Head for Change. Educating our people on the risks involved in heading a football is vital to ensure we create a safe environment for the community when taking part in our provisions, something which is of paramount importance to us as an organisation.
“There has been a lot of research conducted, and a lot of misconceptions are held. Improving our understanding of the risks will ensure we can do our bit, and even educate others. It also ensures we are compliant with FA guidelines and ensures we make football safer without compromising our enjoyment and development.”
Parents are welcome to join one of the monthly HeadSAFE Zoom sessions delivered by Lou Crawford, Brain Health Educator at Head for Change. Here you will learn about FA guidance, return to play protocols, general brain health advice, and how best to support your child as they grow and develop as footballers – https://headforchange.org.uk/headsafetogether.
To learn more about Head for Change and the support they offer, visit their website headforchange.org.uk.
