[Colonel_Flagg]

Peter Schilperoort, president of the association, said headgear prevented bumps and cuts previously suffered by his players, calling the equipment "the best thing since sliced bread."

I've coached youth soccer. If Mr. Schilperoort's association has had head injuries to u-8 players, then he has more worries than just helmets.

At that level players should be honing basic skills and learning to play safely and fairly, not causing blows to the head. Now, I'm well aware that at that age most soccer is just a scrum around the ball and accidents happen, but proper coaching is key to that.

[Colonel_Flagg]

Key to preventing that, I should have said :)