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Since June 2007, 1,200 football coaches have completed a bespoke Red Cross first aid course, designed by first aid service co-ordinator Frances Sanderson and delivered by a team of ten volunteer trainers.
Coaching qualification
The three-hour course is part of the IFA Level One Grassroots Leader’s Certificate. This award qualifies participants to train children aged 6-16 under the supervision of a more qualified coach.
Frances said: “The course is preventative as well as curative. For example, it covers how to deal with choking, but also advises coaches not to allow children to take sweets onto the pitch, to minimise the risk.”
Football injuries
Ian Stewart, from the Irish Football Association, said: “First aid is such an important part of football that we decided to call in the professionals.
“We have received positive feedback from many participants. The course is very interactive and covers common football injuries, such as strained hamstrings, sprains, cuts and bruises. It has really upped the professionalism of our coaching award.”
Find out about first aid training
Become a first aid volunteer
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