Leeds Beckett research reveals worrying gap and powers national drive to equip grassroots football with essential lifesaving CPR and defibrillator skills

Working in partnership with Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation (BHF), Professor Tom Fletcher and Dr Alex Bond from the Leeds Beckett Carnegie School of Sport have helped uncover the urgent need for greater awareness and training in how to respond to cardiac arrests in grassroots football.

The findings have directly informed the next phase of the 'Every Minute Matters campaign', fronted by Liverpool and England legend Jamie Carragher, which has already inspired more than 350,000 people to begin learning CPR since it launched in May 2024. 

The study, led by Professor Tom Fletcher and Dr Alex Bond, found that while 84% of grassroots football clubs have access to AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator), around one in five (22%) participants have never received CPR training, and 37% have not been shown how to use a defibrillator. 

The results highlight widespread misunderstandings and confidence gaps that could cost lives in the event of a cardiac emergency. Over a third (37%) of grassroots coaches, players and volunteers mistakenly believe only medical professionals should use a defibrillator, while almost a quarter (24%) think the same about performing CPR. Alarmingly, more than a third (37%) also think a heart attack and a cardiac arrest are the same thing.

Professor Tom Fletcher said: "Our research reveals that confidence and understanding is a major barrier when it comes to taking lifesaving action. Too many individuals still hesitate because they doubt their ability to step in during a cardiac emergency.

"The encouraging news is that training works. We found that those who've been shown how to use a defibrillator are significantly more confident and up to three times more likely to act in the event of a cardiac arrest.

"That shows the impact of simple, accessible training, it can quite literally be the difference between life and death."

The findings directly drive the campaign drive from Sky Bet and the BHF to ensure that every grassroots football team in the UK has the confidence and skills to respond to cardiac arrests. 

Throughout November, the teams will deliver hands-on CPR and defibrillator training at Birmingham City and Bolton Wanderers, following football legend Jamie Carragher's face-to-face training session at Tranmere Rovers.

Lifesaving access on campus

Leeds Beckett University also provides access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across both campuses to support community safety. 

There are 16 in total, with seven on the Headingley Campus (locations including Carnegie School of Sport, James Graham Building and Sports Centre Swimming Pool) and nine on the City Campus (locations including Rose Bowl Reception, Leeds School of Arts and Woodhouse, Students Union). Locations of all AEDs can be found on the totem maps dotted around the campuses.

All AEDs are registered on the Circuit, the national AED database managed by British Heart Foundation (BHF), on behalf of the Ambulance Service.