FOOTBALL managers and coaches have been given life-saving training to be ready in case the worst happens.

Last Saturday, members of Chesterton Football Club got to grips with using a defibrillator, which is used to resuscitate a person who has had heart attack, after it was recently installed at its Alchester Road ground.

A football tournament at the Chesterton site, near Bicester, in May this year raised the £1,200 needed to pay for the life-saving piece of kit.

Under seven’s manager Lewis Smith came up with the idea after taking part in a basic first aid course, which included a talk on defibrillators and how they can make the difference between life and death in an emergency.

In one of the country’s most high profile cases a defibrillator was used to resuscitate former Bolton Wanderer’s player Fabrice Muamba after he collapsed on the pitch last year.

Mr Smith said: “For every minute that has gone without using a defibrillator, there is 10 per cent less chance you are going to survive. It’s a massive difference.

“As a club it’s a great thing we have managed to do.

“At the end of the day, while football is going on and something happens or to someone in the village, it’s there.”

About 150 children and adults play for the club.

Chairman Steve Honey said: “Some time ago the football club decided that as a responsible club we should look to improve facilities and to enhance the safety of players and supporters.

“It was agreed that proceeds from our six-a-side tournaments would be spent to buy a defibrillator for the pavilion.

“Thanks to South Central Ambulance Service and their training this is now been achieved and the defibrillator is available for use should the need arise.”