Concussion in Youth Football: Signs and Return to Play

Recognise possible concussion

Possible signs include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, balance problems and unusual behaviour after a blow or collision.

Concussion can occur without loss of consciousness; symptoms may develop later.

A useful starting point is to focus on what the player can notice and control. Progress is rarely identical for two teammates, so feedback should be specific to the situation rather than based on comparisons or assumptions.

Remove the player immediately

Stop activity immediately if concussion is suspected. Inform a parent or carer and arrange appropriate medical assessment.

A coach cannot clear a player simply because she says she feels better.

Know emergency warning signs

Call 999 for serious warning signs including seizure, worsening confusion, difficulty waking or a deteriorating condition.

Follow current NHS guidance and seek urgent medical advice if uncertain.

No same-day return

A player with suspected concussion must not return to training or a match on the same day.

Do not pressure a child to finish the game or hide symptoms.

Follow medical return-to-play guidance

Return to school, exercise and contact football must follow current medical and governing-body guidance.

Recovery is individual. Do not use a fixed return date from a blog article.

Putting it into practice

Choose one idea from this guide to focus on during your next training session or match. Keep the task small enough to repeat and notice what changes. The aim is to make youth football concussion a useful part of football rather than another source of pressure.

Ask the player what she noticed, what felt difficult and what she wants to try again. A coach can help adapt the challenge to her age, experience and confidence.

Create a clear club response

Clubs should have a straightforward process for stopping play, contacting parents and obtaining medical advice after a suspected head injury. Coaches and volunteers need to know that process before an incident occurs.

Record relevant details according to club policy, including what happened and any symptoms observed, without trying to diagnose the injury yourself.

A player may be upset about missing a match. Explain that protecting her health takes priority. Follow current NHS and football-governing-body guidance, because return-to-play requirements can change.