Local councillor donates defibrillator to Rochdale AFC Academy

Directors Jamie Sarsfield and Tony Pockney (far left, left), as well as academy manager Tony Ellis (far right) were on hand to receive the defibrillator from Councillors Iram Faisal and Faisal Rana (centre, right)

A portable defibrillator has been donated to the Andrew Kelly Rochdale AFC Academy by a local councillor.

Councillor Iram Faisal, who represents the Spotland and Falinge ward, managed to secure funding for the life-saving device, which can now be taken to training and matchday venues.

The youth team train throughout the week and mainly play matches on Saturdays, whilst academy players train two nights a week and play on Sundays.

Jamie Sarsfield, a director of Rochdale AFC said: “Everyone at the academy and Rochdale AFC would like to thank Councillor Iram Faisal for securing this defibrillator for us.

“We have around 120 youngsters playing in our academy from age under 9s through to under 18s, and it’s in the best interests of all our academy players, staff and family members who come to watch, to have a defib on site.

“I hope it gives everyone peace of mind that we now have this available.”

Councillor Iram Faisal said she hopes that everyone connected with the academy will feel a sense of security that a defibrillator will be on hand in case of an emergency: “After the heart-breaking footage of Danish footballer Christian Eriksen during the Euro 2020 competition, it really highlighted the importance of this life-saving equipment. It is an essential piece of kit and I’m particularly happy that this is a portable device that academy staff can take with them to training and match venues, to help try and keep everyone's loved ones safe.”

Last year Councillor Faisal, along with Councillor Rachel Massey and Councillor Faisal Rana, donated a wall-mounted defibrillator to the Rochdale AFC Community Trust. This is located on the exterior of the Crown Oil Arena, outside the Community Trust office, near the kick pitch and is available 24/7 to the wider community.

Read more: Defibrillator installed at the Crown Oil ArenaPublished: 17 July 2021