Life-saving defibrillators donated to Chesterfield grassroots football club

Somersall Rangers Football Club, which are a chartered development standard club, received 10 defibrillators from last year to support the community if there was ever a serious issue of a cardiac arrest in a grassroots football game.

The club has over 20 teams playing across Chesterfield Matlock and Sheffield and defibrillators are now available at various training and game settings across the area.

All of the Somersall Rangers teams began their grassroots journey as part of the North Derbyshire Youth Football League and the club donated two of the defibrillators to the league, which have been fitted at The Arc in Clowne and Brookfield in Chesterfield.

The sites were chosen by the Chesterfield based development club because it is where numerous teams across the county usually participate in mini soccer leagues every Saturday.

Research shows that over 90% of sudden cardiac arrests in young athletes happen either during or immediately after exercise.

There are currently around 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests in England every year and for every minute lost without CPR and defibrillation, a person’s chance of survival decreases by around 10 percent.

Chairman of Somersall Rangers Shane Madden said: “To have been donated to the club 10 defibrillators and for ourselves to be able to support the network of clubs that are within North East Derbyshire and South Sheffield is a proud moment for Somersall Rangers FC.

"We don’t ever want to have to use the defibrillators but it is good to know that all coaches within Somersall Rangers FC and our local teams are fully trained in using them in case of an incident.”

In a statement, Derbyshire Football Association commented: "It is fantastic to see Somersall Rangers FC and North Derbyshire Youth Football League working in partnership to ensure the defibrillators are accessible on several sites within the Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire areas.

"It is an amazing gesture by Somersall Rangers FC to donate the two defibrillators to North Derbyshire Youth Football League, which will give a greater hope and chance of life in the unfortunate event that someone needs to use it.

"With much more awareness now being present in the importance of defibrillators and having them on site at all football grounds in the UK could save someone's life."

A spokesperson for the North Derbyshire Youth Football League added: “The North Derbyshire Youth Football League would like to express their grateful thanks to Somersall Rangers Football Club for their generous donation of defibrillators.

"We as a League, believe that the safety and Safeguarding of both the Children and their Parents and spectators is of paramount importance.

“It is hoped that they will never be called upon but are there if needed and may no doubt help to save a life in the future.”

Somersall Rangers are appealing for local companies to support the upkeep of the defibrillators, which require replacement batteries every few years.

To get involved, contact Shane Madden here.

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