After the recent visit of Spennymoor Town to Edgar Street, and the recent sad news surrounding Peter Heritage, Neil Grayson and Terry Yorath, we would like to give some page space here to ‘Head Safe Football’. This is a charity campaign pioneered by Judith Gates, whose husband played for Spennymoor Town and Middlesbrough. Judith has sent us the article below.
Judith Gates and ‘Head Safe Football’
Judith is widow of former Spennymoor Town and Middlesbrough player, Bill Gates, who died in October 2023 and was diagnosed with CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy). CTE, is a progressive, degenerative brain disease caused by repetitive head impacts, including headers. CTE begins gradually and can also develop into memory loss, difficulty concentrating, confusion and difficulty moving. Although the symptoms of CTE are similar to those of dementia, you can only get CTE from repetitive head injuries, and you’re most at risk of developing CTE if you regularly play contact sports such as football.
Leading the Way in Brain Health Protection
Founded in memory of former footballer Bill Gates, who died from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), Head Safe Football exists to ensure that future generations can enjoy football without preventable neurological harm. The charity’s work is guided by a simple but powerful principle:
“Prevention is the only cure for CTE.”
— Head Safe Football
Head Safe Football does not wish to ban heading in the game, but instead promotes the reduction of heading in training though the slogan “THINK HEAD SAFE: REDUCE HEADING IN TRAINING”
The charity is driven by the tireless work of Dr. Judith Gates and Nick Gates, whose advocacy and leadership have been instrumental in bringing brain health to the forefront of football’s safeguarding agenda.
Understanding the Risk
Scientific evidence now makes clear that CTE is not only found in the professional game. It starts during youth, when the brain is exposed to repetitive head impacts, and continues to progress throughout a player’s lifetime.
Crucially, CTE affects players at every level of football — grassroots, amateur, semi-professional and professional. It is not limited to elite athletes.
“CTE is not a professional football problem — it is a football problem. Anyone exposed to repetitive head impacts is potentially at risk.”
— Head Safe Football
There is also a widespread myth that modern footballs are safer than those used in the past. Today’s balls are the same weight as the old leather balls but travel faster, meaning the force of impact is comparable to that of the old leather balls.
“It’s not just about the weight of the ball — speed matters. A faster ball can deliver the same level of impact to the brain.”
— Head Safe Football
Vision and Mission
Head Safe Football’s vision is a future where brain safety is embedded at every level of the game, beginning with youth and extending through adulthood.
Its mission is built around:
- Education — providing clear, evidence-based understanding of brain health, concussion and repetitive head impacts
- Advocacy — promoting safer coaching practices, particularly reducing unnecessary heading in training
- Empowerment — supporting clubs, coaches, players and parents to make informed, practical decisions
“CTE is the elephant in the room in football. Our role is to bring clarity, education and practical solutions — not fear.”
— Head Safe Football
The Head Safe Trailblazers Programme
A cornerstone of the charity’s work is the Head Safe Trailblazers initiative, which recognises clubs and organisations that actively commit to protecting brain health.
Trailblazers agree to:
- Acknowledge the scientific evidence linking repetitive head impacts to CTE
- Reduce unnecessary heading in training
- Educate coaches, players and parents
- Promote awareness within their football communities
“Trailblazers are showing that football can evolve responsibly without losing the spirit of the game.”
— Head Safe Football
Spennymoor Town FC: A National League First
A major milestone for Head Safe Football was achieved when Spennymoor Town Football Club became the first club in the National League system to be recognised as a Head Safe Trailblazer.
The club demonstrated its commitment by supporting education sessions for youth coaches and publicly championing the importance of long-term brain health.
A spokesperson for Spennymoor Town FC said:
“Player welfare is at the heart of everything we do. Becoming a Head Safe Trailblazer reflects our responsibility not just to today’s players, but to the children who will shape the future of the game.”
— Spennymoor Town Football Club
The club also highlighted the leadership role of senior football:
“If clubs at senior levels don’t take brain health seriously, grassroots football won’t either. We’re proud to help set a standard for others to follow.”
— Spennymoor Town Football Club
Impact and Achievements
Through education, advocacy and partnership, Head Safe Football has:
- Delivered training to hundreds of coaches and educators
- Reached tens of thousands of players through schools and clubs
- Helped bring CTE and brain health into mainstream football discussion
- Built a growing network of Trailblazer clubs committed to safer football
“Once people understand that this starts in youth and affects all players, the desire to protect the brain becomes universal.”
— Head Safe Football
“Trailblazers show that meaningful change in football doesn’t have to wait for regulation. Clubs can lead by example and protect players now.”
— Nick Gates, Head Safe Football
Looking Ahead
Head Safe Football continues to push for a future where protecting the brain is seen as fundamental to football, not optional. By addressing risk early, challenging outdated myths, and working with progressive clubs the charity is helping football take meaningful steps toward a safer future for everyone who plays the game.
Promoting Safer Football Practices | Headsafe Football