Central Coast Football has partnered with the Men of Football Central Coast chapter to fund the purchase of defibrillators for all 23 local football clubs.
Since the tragic passing of Michael Dean last season while playing football for Southern & Ettalong Football Club, Central Coast Football has been looking into ways to fund a defibrillator for each of our clubs.
The Men of Football has offered to provide $500 per club towards the cost of supplying the machines with Central Coast Football funding the balance.
Central Coast Football CEO Darren Sprod echoed his thoughts on the announcement.
“After the passing of Michael Dean last year we decided to look into ways in which we could provide a defibrillator for each club. With the help of former Gosford City Mayor, Lawrie McKinna, we were put in contact with the Michael Hughes Foundation that provides both the machines and a full program of training and support.
“The total cost of the machines and the training program is $57,500 and we will deliver the machines and commence the training program this week.”
Men of Football Central Coast Vice President, Mick Morley also stressed the importance of this announcement.
“With 14,000 people between the ages of four and 77 playing our sport, and following the tragic death of Michael Dean last year, the Men of Football decided that the provision of this potentially life-saving equipment was of vital importance. We are therefore proud to be able to support Central Coast Football with this initiative.”
Sprod continued by saying, “CCF and its constituent clubs are very grateful to the Men of Football for its support of grassroots football and while it’s hoped that the defibrillators never need to be used, we will endeavour to have them installed together with trained volunteers at fields across the Central Coast within the month.”
For more information regarding defibrillators for clubs and associations contact Football NSW’s Risk Management & State Member Protection Officer Michelle Hanley via email at michelle@footballnsw.com.au
