Sir Geoff Hurst wants a COMPLETE ban on heading the ball in youth football

England’s 1966 hat-trick hero, Sir Geoff Hurst would like to see heading restrictions banned at youth level to help to delay health complications coming earlier in life.

Hurst, 78, mentioned his concern to his own health as it always ‘crosses his mind’ after research was proven to link dementia to football. 

During his time at West Ham, Hurst further stated that ‘there was a ball hanging from the roof and you were heading it 15, 20, 30 times in the space of 10 to 15 minutes.’ Geoff, who has sadly lost four of his 1966 teammates to dementia, further stated ‘Look at the kids. Their brains are nowhere near as developed as adults.’ 

He also stated ‘I don’t think stopping heading would be detrimental to the quality of grassroots football for kids. They would still be able to play and enjoy it as much without heading at age 10 or whenever the scientists think they should not be heading.’ 

The former England legend has also said he would be willing to donate his brain to dementia research after he dies to help find a cure to the disease that can cost the lives of many sportsmen and women.