Northampton Town FC joins EFL campaign to promote CPR awareness
Kick-off for The Cobblers postponed by one minute to promote CPR learning
Last updated 8th Feb 2026
Northampton Town Football Club will delay today’s match against Stevenage to a 3:01pm kick‑off, as part of an EFL campaign highlighting the importance of learning CPR.
The club is taking part in the EFL's 'Every Minute Matters' campaign, which spans all three divisions and aims to mobilise football fans across the country. Led by Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation, and supported by the EFL, the campaign focuses on raising awareness of how vital CPR can be.
Gareth Willsher, Head of Media atNorthampton Town FC, said: "The idea is to try and shine a light and encourage as many people as possible to learn CPR."
The EFL states that the UK records more than 40,000 out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrests each year, with around 80% occurring in the home. Fewer than one in ten people survive, a figure linked in part to bystander CPR not being administered due to a lack of skills or confidence.
Ahead of today's game, the club said it will be sharing critical CPR information with supporters, utilising the big screen and PA system.
Willsher explained: "The slightly unusual kick-off time will definitely be a topic of conversation among fans. We'll be sharing important information with supporters about where they can find out more about CPR."
Using football as a communication platform
First launched at Wembley in May 2024, 'Every Minute Matters' has already had a stadium-sized impact. Its current goal is to inspire 500,000 people to learn CPR by the end of Febuary's Heart Month.
Willsher explained the impact football games can have on raising awareness about important issues: "Football's always a big communication tool, a big vehicle for breaking down barriers, for getting messages out there.
''We'll have up to 7,000 people all in their seats at 3:00, and that minute between 3:00 and 3:01, they'll all be facing the pitch and they'll be listening to the announcer, they'll be watching the big screen and the messages that we want to get out there will be put right in front of people."
''If just one life gets saved in the months or years to come, then it's been worthwhile.''
Through the campaign Northampton Town FC hopes that its supporters will take the time to learn CPR – a skill that could ultimately save lives.
“If just a few people at the game take the message on board, learn CPR, and later find themselves in a situation where those skills are needed, they could help save a life,” Willsher said.
To find out more about the EFL campaign visit: www.efl.com and to learn CPR in just 15 minutes visit revivr.bhf.org.uk