Exeter City Football Club players took part in a lifesaving workshop on 8 July 2026, gaining vital first‑aid skills through the local charity Jay’s Aim. The session, held at St James Park, saw the squad learn CPR, defibrillator use and emergency response tactics, aiming to improve safety for supporters and staff.

What did the training involve?

The programme, run by Jay’s Aim founder Jay Miller, combined classroom theory with hands‑on practice. Players such as striker Sam Noble and midfielder James Holland practiced chest compressions on dummies, while goalkeeper Tom Baker learned to operate an automated external defibrillator. Miller explained that the drills mirror real‑world scenarios often faced at crowded matches. "If a fan collapses, we want our players to act before the ambulance arrives," he said.

Why is this important for Exeter City Football Club?

Exeter City sits 21st in League One, 49 pts from 46 games (12W‑13D‑21L) with recent form LDDDW, and the club has struggled to keep a clean sheet, conceding 61 goals this season. Improving off‑field safety complements on‑field efforts to stay clear of relegation. Coach Matt Taylor noted that the training builds confidence and teamwork, qualities that translate onto the pitch. "When you know you can help in an emergency, you feel more settled," Taylor added.

How will the knowledge be used?

Players will carry portable defibrillators to away fixtures and will be briefed before each home game. The club plans to run refresher sessions each season and to involve youth academy members. Fans attending the next match will also receive a leaflet outlining basic CPR steps, creating a community safety net.

What does this mean for the club’s future?

Beyond immediate health benefits, the initiative strengthens Exeter City’s reputation as a socially responsible club. Sponsors have praised the effort, and local authorities are considering similar programmes for other clubs in the region. If the team can avoid relegation, the added goodwill could help attract new supporters and retain existing ones, supporting the club’s long‑term stability.

Exeter City’s current league standing – 21st in League One, 49 pts, 12W‑13D‑21L from 46 games, recent form LDDDW – underscores the need for every advantage, on and off the field. The club’s commitment to safety may prove as valuable as any tactical tweak as the season draws to a close.