Who We Play For Conducts Heart Screenings for FYSA Athletes: A Weekend of Saving Lives
State Cup Group Play marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to prioritize athlete safety within the Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA). Who We Play For (WWPF), a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in young athletes, conducted heart screenings on 154 FYSA athletes during the tournament weekend. The results underscored the critical importance of proactive cardiac screening in sports.
On Saturday, 66 players underwent screening, revealing three with abnormal results, one of whom was identified as high risk. Sunday saw 88 players screened, with nine flagged as abnormal and another high-risk case detected. In total for the weekend, 154 players screened, 10 abnormals flagged for follow up care, and two high risk flags. These numbers emphasize the potential risks that lurk undetected within seemingly healthy athletes.
Stefany Perlow, WWPF’s Heart Screening Director, lauded the collaboration with FYSA, stating, “The FYSA Directors were great to work with and were very accommodating. They provided a great space for us to successfully run our screening.” She added, “Both days were busy with a line out the door, but the parents were very grateful for us providing ECGs to their children, knowing the importance of it.”
Perlow highlighted the educational aspect of their work, expressing satisfaction in enlightening athletes and parents about the screening process and its life-saving potential. “One of the best parts of our job is when the kids (and sometimes parents) are curious about what we’re doing and we get to explain how the whole ECG process works and how it can save lives,” she shared. “Seeing the moment when they really understand what is going on and how valuable the screening is makes everything even more special.”
The statistics surrounding sudden cardiac arrest are sobering. According to SCA Stats provided by WWPF, one in 300 youth have an undetected potentially life-threatening heart condition that can be identified through a simple electrocardiogram (ECG). Given that an ECG takes only five minutes, the potential to save lives through routine screening is immense.
The screenings conducted by WWPF weren’t limited to a specific locality; players from Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Seminole, Broward, St. Lucie, Lake, Lee, and beyond benefited from this initiative. This widespread reach underscores the organization’s commitment to ensuring the safety of athletes across the state.
Furthermore, WWPF reiterated its commitment to making screenings accessible to all FYSA players. Macie Margheim, the contact person for scheduling screenings, emphasized that the process is quick and minimally disruptive to practice schedules. An entire team can undergo screening in under 25 minutes, offering peace of mind to coaches, parents, and players alike.
FYSA’s partnership with WWPF reflects a shared dedication to player safety. By integrating proactive cardiac screenings into their events, FYSA demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its athletes beyond the field.
As FYSA continues to prioritize athlete safety, initiatives like these serve as a testament to the organization’s proactive approach to mitigating health risks among young athletes. With continued collaboration and awareness, the goal of preventing sudden cardiac arrest in youth sports can become a reality.
For more information on how to schedule screenings for FYSA players or to contact Macie Margheim click the corresponding button below.