Cumberland FA have launched a new heart health initiative in memory of their late chairman, Fred Conway.
It coincides with the British Heart Foundation’s Heart Healthy Month, a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness of cardiovascular disease
The FA is working In partnership with Cardiologic to introduce improved access to heart screening for local clubs and referees across the county.
Mr Conway died following a heart attack and his loss echoes a wider national concern.
Twelve young people die every week in the UK from undiagnosed cardiac conditions, with around 80% showing no prior symptoms.
While professional footballers benefit from comprehensive screening, grassroots players currently have very limited access to ECG testing.
Following consultation and a presentation to the county’s club welfare officers, it was agreed that funding from The Fred Conway Fund would be used to purchase a new, portable 12 lead ECG device.
The device is simple to use—players can even apply it themselves—and its affordability compared to other options means heart screening can now reach far more people in the local football community.
The device allows screenings to:
- Take place during training sessions, matchdays, or dedicated club events
- Be carried out with no medical training required
- Deliver an accurate, hospital grade, 10 second, non invasive test
Recordings are securely uploaded via a mobile phone or tablet and reviewed by a cardiologist.
Individuals (or parents) will receive a full report within a week. If an abnormality is detected, the player is informed and advised to follow up with their GP.
Training on how to use the device is being delivered to clubs, and further details will be shared shortly.
Screening will be made available on request, with leagues, clubs, teams, and match officials able to book the device through the County FA.
Officials are also exploring further use of the Fred Conway Fund, which includes reinvested discipline income, donations, and external contribution, to help further reduce screening costs for clubs.
Faye Singleton, cardiologist, said: “Introducing this technology to the UK has been about giving young people access to heart screening that simply wasn’t available before.
“We’re delighted to welcome Cumberland FA into the initiative and I’m really looking forward to supporting them as they bring this potentially life-saving programme to their clubs.”
