Protect the player.
Preserve the game.
Youth football is changing around heading safety. HeadShield is being built to help grassroots clubs respond practically.
A lightweight protective sports headband for youth football — designed around comfort, confidence and grassroots adoption.
We're looking for parents, coaches, clubs and players to help shape the next stage of HeadShield.
The Problem
The game has changed.
The gear hasn't.
Youth football is changing in response to growing head-impact concerns. But grassroots clubs still lack protective headwear that feels affordable, comfortable and normal enough for young players to actually wear.
FA heading guidance has already changed how youth football manages heading exposure — but grassroots equipment has not kept pace.
Parents want reassurance
Peace of mind that their child has thoughtful protection on the pitch.
Coaches need practical welfare tools
Simple kit they can integrate into training without disruption.
Players need protection that feels normal
Gear that looks and feels like sportswear — not medical equipment.
The Product
Protection that feels
part of the game.
HeadShield combines a familiar sports headband format with targeted shock-absorbing padding. It is being developed to support comfort, confidence and player acceptance during football training.
Lightweight Design
Familiar and comfortable to wear.
Targeted Padding
Designed to reduce impact concern.
Sportswear Feel
Not bulky or medical-looking.
Team-Ready
Built with clubs, schools and academies in mind.
Founder
Why I'm building this.
HeadShield started as a university project built by five football fans who wanted to make a difference to the game we grew up loving. At first, it was an idea about safety. But the more I worked with young players, parents and coaches, the more I realised this was about confidence, belief and keeping young athletes connected to the sport too.
For me, the mission is personal. My younger brother is growing up in football, and I want players like him to feel protected without feeling different. Youth football is changing around heading safety, but grassroots clubs still need solutions that are practical, affordable and wearable. That is why I'm building HeadShield: not as a medical-looking piece of kit, but as protection that feels part of the game.
HeadShield has been built through persistence: testing, refining, listening and refusing to let the idea stay as just another university project. It has grown into a registered company, an award-winning venture and a developing sports safety brand shaped by real grassroots feedback.
I'm building HeadShield from the ground up with players, parents and coaches because head protection only matters if young footballers actually want to wear it.
Alex Sawyer — Founder
Early Feedback
From the pitch.
"It actually works so well — I couldn't believe it didn't hurt when I headed the ball."
— Newton Athletic Player
"It is soft and doesn't hurt."
— Brymbo Social Club Player
"HeadShield is a smart response to a growing problem in youth football. The game needs this."
— John Champion — ex-football club owner
Register Interest
Reserve your HeadShield.
Be first in line when HeadShield ships. Register below to reserve a HeadShield for yourself, your child, your team or your club — no payment, no commitment, just early access. You can also opt in to pilot trials, partnerships or simply staying in the loop.
FAQ
Common questions.
Built responsibly.
HeadShield is an early-stage product and does not claim to prevent concussion or eliminate injury risk. We are developing the product through player feedback, grassroots input and a responsible validation roadmap.
Roadmap
Pilot trials with grassroots players and clubs.
Wider club rollout based on trial findings.