
Football Tasmania has confirmed a significant new partnership with the Heartbeat of Football Foundation, reinforcing its commitment to player safety and well-being at all levels of the game.
Through this alliance, efforts will be made to:
- Raise awareness about heart health within the football community.
- Offer education and training on CPR and defibrillator use.
- Support greater accessibility to life-saving equipment at clubs and venues.
Football Tasmania Chief Executive Officer, Tony Pignata, mentioned the health significance this will present for individuals involved in football.
“Our mission is to provide opportunities for Tasmanians to lead healthy, enjoyable, and connected lives through participation in football — from Under 5s to over 40s,” he said via press release.
“As a State Sporting Organisation, we have a duty of care towards the tens of thousands of Tasmanians who take to the pitch or futsal court every week, regardless of their age.
“We recognise that heart-related medical incidents can and do occur on our sporting fields.
“That’s why partnering with the Heartbeat of Football Foundation is crucial in raising awareness, improving preparedness, and ensuring our clubs and facilities are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to save lives.”
Andy Paschalidis, founder of Heartbeat of Football, highlighted the significance of this collaboration.
“Our partnership with Football Tasmania is a vital step in ensuring players, coaches, and volunteers across the State are better armed with knowledge, resources, skills and tools, because minutes matter in an emergency,” he said via press release.
“By working with Football Tasmania, we can amplify this life-saving message and ensure that heart health awareness becomes a key part of grassroots football culture.
“Strong partnerships with organisations like Football Tasmania help us engage directly with players, clubs, and communities to drive real change.
“Football is more than just a game — it’s a community, and every heartbeat matters.”
Last weekend, the Heartbeat of Football Foundation brought its free heart health testing to Football Tasmania’s NPL and WSL games.
Click here to read more about Heartbeat of Football.