First Aid for Sports Clubs – Why It’s More Than Just a Box on the Wall

From Sunday league football to professional athletics, injuries are a part of the game. But when a twisted ankle turns into a broken leg, or a player collapses on the pitch, having a basic First Aid kit just isn’t enough. What truly saves lives — and prevents long-term damage — is trained people who know how to act fast.

At Essex First Aid & Wellbeing (EFAW), we train coaches, volunteers, parents, and athletes in sports-specific First Aid that goes far beyond plasters and ice packs. In this blog, we explore why proper First Aid training is essential for sports clubs of every size — and how you can get your team prepared.

Why Sports Clubs Face Unique First Aid Risks

Sports environments come with higher-than-average risk. Whether you’re playing rugby, netball, martial arts, or even non-contact sports like swimming or athletics, you’re exposed to:

• Impact and collision injuries

• Joint sprains and dislocations

• Head injuries and concussion

• Cardiac events in high-performance athletes

• Heat stroke, dehydration, and exhaustion

• Asthma attacks, allergic reactions, or underlying conditions

• Incidents involving young players or spectators

And because many clubs are volunteer-run, it’s common to find no designated First Aider — or one who trained years ago and has since left the role.

The Cost of Being Unprepared

Clubs without First Aid training are vulnerable in many ways:

• Legal liability if someone is harmed due to negligence

• Delays in treatment leading to worse outcomes

• Loss of player or parent trust

• Ineligibility for grants or accreditations (many governing bodies require proof of training)

• Team withdrawal or match cancellations due to lack of medical cover

Investing in First Aid isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s part of running a responsible, compliant club.

Real-Life Example: A Life Saved

One of our proudest moments came when a coach trained by EFAW spotted the signs of cardiac arrest in a player during a local match. His immediate CPR and defibrillator use kept the player alive until paramedics arrived. That young man later made a full recovery.

Training made that difference.