My son’s played league since he was 7 & it’s been full contact from day one .
Most of the lads seem to wear one at that age , but most get rid as their confidence grows & then never go back . I’ve seen lots of clashes of heads over the years with cuts & bruises that could have been avoided , but it’s each to their own really .
I’d say get one & see how it goes ,they’re not too expensive nowerdays .
My son still wears his – tried it without , but he said it just felt weird without it & so always wears one ( u15’s now ).