Heartbeat of Football Encourages to have fun and play it safe

With the new winter football season almost upon us Socceroos legend Tim Cahill has issued a warning to not only those who play the world game but also the general sporting public.

The time is right to ensure you are medically fit before the start of the 2017 season.

“With football seasons starting all over Australia, I want to encourage all players, young and old, to go and have a check-up with their GPs,” Cahill said.

“Even if you haven’t had any health issues before, it’s definitely best to be sure.”

The incident of heart-attack deaths in football and sport generally has continued to rise in the last three years involving participants of all ages.

Heartbeat of Football – a charity founded last year by respected football broadcaster Andrew Paschalidis – is aiming to address this growing trend through various key initiatives:

·         Heart health awareness and education

·         Heartbeat Medical Tents at fields to assist in testing players, blood pressure, CPR training as well understanding how to use defibrillators

·         Extensive public and media messaging including a formal partnership with Football NSW

·         Increase the rollout of defibrillators to sporting grounds in Australia via local councils, sporting organisations, State and Federal Governments 

Paschalidis stressed: “Heartbeat of Football wants players to have fun and play it safe by ensuring they are medically fit prior to the season. Now is the time to do that.”

Cahill, who helped launch a defibrillator at his junior club Marrickville Red Devils last year, also wants to ensure that these life-saving devices are readily available.

“In the perfect world it would be great if every sports club and ground in Australia had access to a defibrillator.”

“I am honoured to be part of this push for change through Heartbeat of Football. Together we can and will make a difference.”

Heartbeat of Football is a not-for-profit charity, so fundraising is critical.

HOF has two important Fundraising Events coming up.

·         CORPORATE 6-ASIDE Tournament – April 24, Sydney

·         ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY Gala Dinner – June 2, Sydney

For more information about these fundraising events or Heartbeat of Football contact:

Deborah Shaw at Heartbeat of Football on M: 0432 837 386

E:  deborah@heartbeatoffootball.com.au

w. www.heartbeatoffootball.com.au

For Football NSW information about first aid courses and defibrillators click here or email michelle@footballnsw.com.au