Abstract: Generally, the present invention relates to an improved headguard to be worn by soccer players that protects the forehead during the act of heading the soccer ball without compromising the integrity of the game. In its preferred embodiment, the protection device cushions the forehead through a combination of soft padding and a custom molded plastic insert. Preferably, the custom molded rigid polymeric insert is sandwiched between two layers of padded, elastic fabric in the form of a headband surrounding the forehead. Since the custom molded insert is housed between two fabric layers, it poses no hazard to the wearer or other players.