The new rules - which will be introduced immediately, but will only apply in training - have been implemented following research that found former footballers were three-and-a-half times more likely to die from brain disease.

Here's how it will affect players in each age group:

Heading guidance in training for all age groups between under-six and under-18
No heading in training in the foundation phase (primary school children)
Graduated approach to heading training for children in the development phase between under-12 to under-16
Required ball sizes for training and matches for each age group
No changes to heading in matches, taking into consideration the limited number of headers in youth games

Why have the rules on heading changed?

An independent study from the University of Glasgow found that former former professional footballers were more likely to die of degenerative brain disease and five times more likely to die from Parkinson's disease.

Although there was no conclusive evidence in the study to link incidences of the disease with heading the ball, the new guidance has been put in place to mitigate against any potential risks.

FA chief executive, Mark Bullingham, said: "This updated heading guidance is an evolution of our current guidelines and will help coaches and teachers to reduce and remove repetitive and unnecessary heading from youth football.

"Our research has shown that heading is rare in youth football matches, so this guidance is a responsible development to our grassroots coaching without impacting the enjoyment that children of all ages take from playing the game."

What are your thoughts on the new guidelines? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.