EFL Delays Kick-Off Times by One Minute for Heart Health Awareness
In a unique and symbolic move, the English Football League (EFL) has announced that all 72 clubs across the Championship, League One, and League Two will shift their scheduled kick-off times back by exactly one minute this weekend. This deliberate delay serves as a powerful reminder to fans and the public about the critical importance of every single minute when performing life-saving CPR on someone experiencing a cardiac arrest.
Campaign Details and Timing
The initiative is a central part of the "Every Minute Matters" campaign, a partnership between Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation (BHF), fully supported by the EFL. The timing is strategic, aligning with February being "Heart Month," and aims to use the high-profile platform of professional football to raise awareness about cardiovascular health across the UK.
The campaign's primary objective is to motivate half a million people to begin learning CPR by the end of February. Since its launch in May 2024, it has already encouraged over 400,000 supporters to start their training. Supporters are urged to use "RevivR," the BHF's free online training tool, which takes just 15 minutes to teach vital life-saving skills.
Real-World Impact and Community Engagement
Bristol Rovers player Tom Lockyer, who survived a cardiac arrest during a match, is a key advocate for the campaign. His involvement underscores that such emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere, and that immediate CPR is often the difference between life and death.
EFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch emphasised that football clubs are at the "heart of their communities." By rallying for this cause, the league leverages its extensive reach to drive tangible change and ensure fans are prepared to respond effectively in emergencies.
Vital Survival Statistics
Each minute without CPR significantly reduces a person's chances of survival. With over 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring annually in the UK, the one-minute delay highlights the brief window available to save a life and stresses the necessity of prompt intervention.
Full Championship Schedule for the Weekend
The schedule changes affect all matches, starting with the Championship opener on Friday, February 6. Here is the updated timetable for the Championship fixtures:
- Friday, February 6, 8:01 pm: Charlton Athletic vs QPR
- Saturday, February 7, 12:31 pm: Derby County vs Ipswich Town
- Saturday, February 7, 12:31 pm: Norwich City vs Blackburn Rovers
- Saturday, February 7, 12:31 pm: Southampton vs Watford
- Saturday, February 7, 3:01 pm: Birmingham City vs Leicester City
- Saturday, February 7, 3:01 pm: Coventry City vs Oxford United
- Saturday, February 7, 3:01 pm: Hull City vs Bristol City
- Saturday, February 7, 3:01 pm: Preston North End vs Portsmouth
- Saturday, February 7, 3:01 pm: West Brom vs Stoke City
- Saturday, February 7, 3:01 pm: Wrexham vs Millwall
- Sunday, February 8, 12:01 pm: Swansea City vs Sheffield Wednesday
- Monday, February 9, 8:01 pm: Sheffield United vs Middlesbrough
This weekend's fixtures will not only showcase thrilling football but also deliver a crucial message about health and preparedness, making every minute on and off the pitch count towards saving lives.
