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The tragic passing of 17-year-old footballer Adam Ankers has sparked a call for mandatory sudden cardiac arrest training within the sport. Adam collapsed during a match in January 2024 while playing for Wycombe Wanderers Foundation’s under-19 team, experiencing chest pains but receiving no immediate CPR. Although a defibrillator was available on-site, it was not used due to uncertainty about its safety on a teenager, despite it being appropriate for all ages. Adam later died in hospital after suffering brain damage, with his heart condition remaining undiagnosed at the time of his death.
In response to the inquest, the coroner has urged the Football Association (FA) to make sudden cardiac arrest training compulsory for at least one individual present at all football matches, especially coaches and referees. The FA is due to reply to these recommendations and has stated that it supports the coroner’s findings while reviewing the suggestions. Currently, the FA offers a free voluntary training course on recognizing cardiac arrest symptoms and the use of CPR and defibrillators. It is reported that over 90% of affiliated youth teams have at least one qualified coach trained in these procedures.
Friends of Adam, including George Callie and Tom Gough, who both played alongside him, have expressed how his death has made them more aware of the risks and the importance of preparedness during matches. George shared that the incident led him to undergo several cardiac evaluations, highlighting how the tragedy affected his sense of safety playing football regularly. He supports the coroner’s recommendation, suggesting that multiple officials involved in a game should be trained in life-saving measures rather than leaving the responsibility solely to the referee.
Tom, who described Adam’s death as taking a significant toll on his mental health, hopes the sacrifice will lead to preventive change. He emphasized that if Adam’s passing can help save even one life on the pitch through improved training, it would provide a positive outcome from an otherwise heartbreaking situation. Tom was inspired to pursue language studies at university, influenced by his close relationship with Adam during their school years. Adam’s memory is honored annually through a charity football match, often accompanied by the Arsenal anthem “North London Forever,” reflecting his support for the club
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