Union Saint-Gilloise supporters attending matches can now learn life-saving resuscitation techniques and secure a limited-edition match jersey under a new public health campaign launched during European Restart a Heart Week.
Union Saint-Gilloise Partners with European Resuscitation Council for Supporter Training
Union Saint-Gilloise has rolled out an initiative aimed at training fans to respond swiftly to sudden cardiac arrests in stadium stands. Developed in collaboration with the European Resuscitation Council (ERC), the program offers free training sessions that teach participants essential life-saving techniques. Project organizers noted that a cardiac arrest can strike anywhere, including inside a football stadium, where rapid intervention remains critical while professional medical help travels to the scene.
The campaign operates under the slogan “Qui ne sauve pas n’est pas Saint-Gillois” (“He who does not save is not a Saint-Gillois”). Club officials structured the outreach to ensure supporters no longer have to watch helplessly if a medical emergency unfolds in the stands, emphasizing that basic bystander intervention bridges the vital gap before paramedics arrive.
Special Edition Warm-Up Jerseys Reserved for Course Graduates
To incentivize participation, Union Saint-Gilloise tied access to exclusive merchandise directly to completion of the emergency response course. Only supporters who finish the training qualify to purchase the specialty jersey designed specifically for the campaign. The club intends for the distinctive shirts to appear regularly in the stands, allowing attendees to quickly identify fellow fans equipped to handle a cardiac emergency.
The squad has also integrated the initiative into its routine. Union players completed the resuscitation training themselves and wore the campaign jerseys during warm-ups ahead of their fixture against Cercle Bruges. Through this display, the players aimed to motivate their fanbase to complete the instruction alongside them.
Beyond the Stands: Broader Community Impact
While the immediate focus centers on matchday preparedness at the stadium, organizers highlighted that the curriculum carries practical value far beyond football. Anyone equipped with proper resuscitation skills can alter the outcome of a medical crisis in everyday life. The initiative coincides directly with European Restart a Heart Week, amplifying public awareness across standard community settings as well as sporting venues.
