First Aid Training for Sports Clubs & Coaches

Sports First Aid, CPR and AED training delivered at your ground or clubhouse. Meeting governing body requirements for football, rugby, cricket and more across Berkshire, Surrey and Hampshire.

Why Sports Clubs Need First Aid Training

Sport involves physical exertion, physical contact and the inherent risk of injury. From a twisted ankle on a football pitch to a cardiac arrest at a running event, sports clubs and their officials have a duty of care to participants and spectators. The ability to provide immediate, competent first aid in the minutes before emergency services arrive can mean the difference between a full recovery and a life-changing outcome.

Sudden cardiac arrest in sport receives significant media coverage, but it can happen to anyone at any fitness level and any age. The installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at sports grounds has increased dramatically, but an AED is only effective if someone present knows how to use it. CPR and AED training for club coaches, officials and volunteers is one of the most valuable investments a sports club can make.

Beyond cardiac events, concussion management has become a major focus across most sports. Understanding the signs of concussion, applying the HEADCASE protocol and knowing when to remove a player from the field are now essential knowledge for any coach or team official. Our sports first aid training incorporates current concussion awareness guidance and the specific protocols recommended for different sports.

Governing Body Requirements

Most national governing bodies (NGBs) for sport in England have specific requirements for clubs regarding first aid provision. The Football Association (FA) requires clubs to have a qualified first aider present at all registered matches. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has similar requirements and emphasises concussion management. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) also have guidance on first aid provision at club level.

Requirements vary significantly by sport, level of competition and whether matches involve junior players. For clubs running youth sections, the presence of paediatric-aware first aiders is strongly advisable. Clubs running events or tournaments with spectators may also face additional first aid requirements under the Safety of Sports Grounds Act.

Beyond compliance, having well-trained first aiders improves your club's reputation and reassures players, parents and spectators that their welfare is taken seriously. We can advise you on the specific requirements of your governing body and help you build a training plan to achieve full compliance.

Recommended Courses for Sports Clubs

Sports First Aid

Specifically designed for coaches, team managers and club officials. Covers sports-specific injuries, concussion protocols, soft tissue injuries and on-field assessment — alongside core first aid skills.

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CPR & AED Training

Essential for all sports clubs with a defibrillator. Train your committee, coaches and volunteers to respond to cardiac arrest in the critical minutes before an ambulance arrives.

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Emergency First Aid at Work

A 1-day HSE-approved qualification for club officials and bar/hospitality staff. Meets governing body requirements for a qualified first aider at matches and training sessions.

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Paediatric First Aid

For clubs with youth sections. Covers child-specific emergencies and is invaluable for coaches and officials working with junior players aged under 18.

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Why Choose Forest Medical Training?

  • Delivery at your ground — we come to your sports ground, clubhouse or leisure centre for training that's immediately relevant to your environment
  • Governing body awareness — we understand the requirements of major NGBs and can tailor training to meet your specific sport's standards
  • Weekend and evening availability — we fit around your club's schedule, not the other way around
  • Affordable group rates — competitive pricing for volunteer-run clubs and societies, covering both paid and unpaid roles

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Most sports governing bodies require clubs to have qualified first aiders present at training sessions and matches. Beyond governing body requirements, clubs have a common law duty of care to players, officials and spectators. A Sports First Aid or EFAW qualification is the minimum recommended for club coaches, team managers and match officials.
The FA, RFU, ECB, LTA and many other governing bodies have specific requirements for clubs. Requirements vary by sport and level of play. Contact us and we can advise on your specific governing body's requirements and help you select the right course to achieve compliance.
Yes. We regularly deliver training at sports grounds, clubhouses and leisure centres. Training at your own ground means scenarios can be tailored to your specific facility and the practical exercises are immediately relevant to the environment your first aiders will be working in. We just need an indoor space suitable for the group size.

Ready to Train Your Club?

Get a free quote for sports first aid training at your ground or clubhouse. Serving clubs across Berkshire, Surrey and Hampshire.