Some of Leicester-shire's top academy footballers went back to the class room earlier today to learn key lifesaving skills as part of the the Joe's Mini Heartstart for Sports (JMHS4S) lifesaving course which was delivered by JHMT's Alan Harrison White.

The training is one of the key priorities of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT), a local charity dedicated to raising awareness of heart conditions such as SADS (Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome) and ensuring the local sporting community is ready and equipped to deal with someone who suffers a cardiac arrest.

At the session, which took place at Whetstone, the young academy footballers learned how to put someone in the recovery position, CPR and what to do if someone has a cardiac arrest. They were also taught about how to use a defibrillator.

Former Premier League footballers and Leicester City FC legends Steve Walsh & Muzzy Isset are spearheading the football academy for youngsters aged 16-18 which will help develop and nurture football skills at the Advanced Football Development Academy (AFDA).

Alan Harrison White, JHMT's community liaison officer and JMHS4S trainer said: 'Twelve young people in the UK per week die from sudden, unexplained heart death, with a definite bias towards those who engage in physical activity.

"JHMT believes that this number is unacceptable and that's why we want to ensure as many people as possible know about SADS and know what to do if someone has a cardiac arrest.

"It's particularly important that young sports people, at all levels, know what to do because if someone collapses while playing sport, they could be the first person on the scene and sometimes only a few feet away. There are very few minutes available for survival after sudden cardiac arrest.

'Every second counts when it comes to dealing with a cardiac arrest. If effective CPR is started immediately, and a defibrillator can be applied to a victim within eight minutes, then many more of these people have a chance of a survival with a good quality of life."

'A thoroughly enjoyable and informative session led by a highly knowledgeable trainer from JHMT, the apprentices at Muzzy and Steve's football academy are now well equipped to deal with a cardiac arrest, all thanks to JHMT' – said Kayleigh Ball, School Sports Coordinator - Advanced Football Development Acdemy

"Good demonstrations with good explanations. It was made enjoyable and interactive" - Kyle Syrett, Apprentice - AFDA

"Alan was really helpful and descriptive with demonstrations. Alan made it enjoyable and fun" - Liam Brookes, Apprentice – AFDA

Any sports clubs wanting to register their interest in the Joe's Mini Heartstart for Sports training programme can email: charles.poole@ntlworld.com or Mandy.Shepard@leicester.gov.uk