Thursday 10th March 2016 – 10.00am – John Hawker.
Coventry based Christ the King FC is celebrating its 70th Anniversary this year and has put the safety of players and visitors at its two facilities at the ‘heart’ of its thoughts.
The club, formed in 1946, has 29 junior teams ranging from under 6’s to Under 18’s, with over 400 players and 78 coaches which all use its two home grounds in Coventry. There are also three senior teams which use the facilities.
In collaboration with West Midlands Ambulance Service and the Coventry Schools Foundation, the club has purchased two lifesaving defibrillators to be situated at the grounds and always be available in the event of someone suffering a cardiac arrest.
Players and members held a celebratory evening on Saturday 4th March and were joined by two footballing greats who have 76 international caps and over 500 premier league appearances between them.
Liverpool FC legends Robbie Fowler and Jason McAteer talked about their life and experiences as professional footballers and also supported the official launch of the lifesaving equipment.
Christ the King FC Welfare Officer and Coach, Kieran Kennedy, said: “So far, in conjunction with West Midlands Ambulance Service, we have trained nearly 50 coaches, officials and volunteers in how to use the defibrillators and what to do should someone go into cardiac arrest.
“We are a community club with hundreds of players and supporters using the facilities each week. We are fully committed to ensuring that should the worst happen, there will be someone trained to use the defib and give them the best chance of saving someone’s life. It could literally be the difference between life and death.”
West Midlands Ambulance Service Community Response Manager, Bobby Qayum, said: “With so many players and visitors each week using the facilities we are delighted to be able to get involved in this community club and help people to try and save lives.
“A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any time, so having the defibrillators in place will make the facilities a safer place to be.
“With a cardiac arrest, it is vital that a patient receives the correct treatment as soon as possible. The minutes before an ambulance arrives are vital in helping a person survive a cardiac arrest and we are delighted to be working with Christ the King FC to help save lives.”
The two venues, one in Coundon and one in Ash Green, are not only used by the football club and their visiting guests, but they are also a school sports facilities, which hosts cricket, rugby and hockey (7 days a week) and the local community.
Ends
Pictured –
Back Row – Jim Brown (Club President), Vinny Sloyan (Chairman), Jason McAteer, Robbie Fowler, Brad Thompson (Junior Club Secretary), Callum Kennedy (Junior Club Referee aged 15).
Front – Kieran Kennedy (Club Welfare Officer and Education and Training Officer for WMAS), Joseph Cronin (aged 10), Scott McDaid (aged 10), Josh Whitehouse (aged 11), Bobby Qayum (WMAS Community Response Manager).
For more information about defibrillators, contact West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Community Response Department on 01384 215 855
For more information about Christ the King FC please go to www.christthekingfc.co.uk