FA urged to train coaches and referees to spot sudden cardiac arrest after teen’s death

Football coaches and referees should undergo mandatory training to identify signs of sudden cardiac arrest , a coroner has urged, despite opposition from the Football Association (FA). The recommendation follows an inquest that found a "missed opportunity" contributed to the death of teenager Adam Ankers, who suffered a cardiac arrest while playing for Wycombe Wanderers’ under-19s in January 2024. Assistant coroner Valerie Charbit had previously ruled that a failure to recognise the 17-year-old was experiencing cardiac arrest "more than minimally" contributed to his passing.

The inquest heard that a defibrillator was brought onto the pitch, but confusion over its safe use meant it was never deployed in an attempt to save Adam’s life. Following this ruling, Ms Charbit, presiding at West London Coroner’s Court, recommended that the Football Association mandate a training course for all its accredited members, including grassroots football coaches and referees, to equip them with the ability to spot the signs of sudden cardiac arrest. While the FA’s website currently offers a free, online module "designed to help recognise a sudden cardiac arrest and respond appropriately”, Ms Charbit’s report insisted this training should be compulsory and extend to all members.

The FA, however, argued against this move in its submissions to Ms Charbit. The organisation contended that making the training mandatory for all members, including children, would exclude younger individuals from refereeing roles, as it would require them to be "put in the position of having to deliver such basic life support as would be necessary. " A defibrillator was not used on the pitch when Ankers collapsed (PA) Ms Charbit firmly disagreed with the FA’s stance.

"I disagree as to the fact that that shouldn’t be something that children should engage in," she stated. "Children are allowed to train in first aid… I consider it important that the responsibility for first aid lies with all ages within society and outweighs any concern that this would stop them becoming referees. " She further dismissed the FA’s concern that the recommendation would necessitate training over 185,000 coaches, asserting that this logistical challenge was outweighed by the potential to save numerous young lives through wider training implementation.