Dozens of children and teenagers are learning how to perform CPR with Newcastle United Foundation by linking lifesaving skills training with the opportunity to play football with friends.

Through Premier League Kicks - free, weekly football sessions for young people at community venues across Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland - Newcastle United Foundation is providing additional opportunities to help the next generation manage medical emergencies.

Through Restart A Heart workshops, children and teenagers are given the confidence and skills they need to give the gift of life in the event of a friend or family member experiences cardiac arrest.

Wansbeck MP Ian Lavery saw first-hand how young people attending Premier League Kicks sessions in Ashington this month are learning to perform basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Ian Lavery, MP said: "These sessions are absolutely fantastic ways to teach young people vital skills while keeping them active and social."

The emergency first aid training come less than one month since Newcastle United Supporter Alan Smith suffered a medical emergency during United's game against Tottenham Hotspur, and subsequently received CPR in the stands of St. James' Park, ultimately saving his life.

And in June, millions of people around the world saw the moment Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark's game against Finland in the group stages of the Euro 2020 tournament.

Lee Scott, Newcastle United Foundation Premier League Kicks Coordinator said: "Recent events have shown us all just how important it is to be prepared and capable of managing a medical crisis where life is at stake.

"It's unlikely the young people here at Ashington will ever have to apply the skills they're learning with us through Restart A Heart training but they now have the confidence and knowledge to make a difference - even when some adults are equipped to do so."

Two sessions Restart A Heart workshops have been delivered in Ashington by Newcastle United Foundation, with more than 30 youngsters benefitting from free access to the training.

Restart A Heart is a global initiative, developed by the European Resuscitation Council, raising awareness of the importance of teaching members of the public how to help someone suffering cardiac arrest.

In Ashington, youngsters heard how currently less than one in ten survive cardiac arrest in the UK, but the earlier a patient can receive CPR and a shock from a defibrillator, the greater their chance of survival.

As the official charity arm of Newcastle United, Newcastle United Foundation is leading the way in delivering this crucial training, bolstering its community work in schools to deliver education, physical and mental wellbeing support for the next generation.

In 2019, Newcastle United hero David Ginola joined one of the Foundation's Restart A Heart workshops at Benfield School in Walkergate, Newcastle. Ginola's life was saved by CPR and is an advocate for the charity's work introducing young people to emergency first aid procedures.

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