Keeping Young Players Safe in Hot Weather

With temperatures rising across the UK, it’s important that coaches, volunteers, parents and clubs take extra precautions to ensure children can enjoy football safely.

Extreme heat is relatively uncommon in the UK, which means many players, coaches and parents may not be familiar with the risks associated with training and playing in high temperatures. The good news is that a little planning and common sense can go a long way.

Our biggest piece of advice?

If in doubt, STOP.

No football session, training drill or match is more important than a child’s health and wellbeing.

Stay Hydrated

One of the biggest risks during hot weather is dehydration.

Children should be encouraged to drink water regularly before, during and after football activities. Don’t wait until a child says they are thirsty, as this can already be a sign that dehydration is beginning.

The FA’s warm weather guidance recommends regular water breaks throughout training sessions and matches, while NHS advice highlights the importance of drinking plenty of fluids during periods of hot weather.

Top hydration tips:

• Bring plenty of water to every session.
• Encourage regular sips rather than waiting until breaks.
• Take additional water breaks during training.
• Ensure substitutes have access to water and shade.
• Continue drinking fluids after the session has finished.

Recognise the Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body becomes too hot and struggles to cool itself down.

According to the NHS, symptoms of heat exhaustion can include:

• Tiredness or fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Feeling sick or vomiting
• Excessive sweating
• Pale, clammy skin
• Muscle cramps
• Feeling very thirsty
• Weakness or irritability

If a player displays any of these symptoms:

• Stop activity immediately.
• Move them to a cool or shaded area.
• Encourage them to drink water.
• Loosen unnecessary clothing.
• Monitor them closely.

Know When It Becomes an Emergency

Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate action.

The NHS and UK Health Security Agency advise looking out for symptoms such as:

• Confusion or disorientation
• Loss of coordination
• Hot skin that is no longer sweating
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

If you suspect heat stroke:

Call 999 immediately.

While waiting for medical assistance:

• Move the person into shade.
• Remove excess clothing.
• Cool them with water, wet towels or cold packs.
• Continue trying to lower their body temperature.

Adapt Training Sessions

Just because football is scheduled doesn’t mean it has to go ahead as planned.

The FA’s guidance encourages clubs to consider modifying activities during periods of extreme heat.

Consider:

• Shorter sessions.
• Reduced intensity.
• More frequent breaks.
• Smaller-sided games.
• Rotating players more frequently.
• Training earlier in the morning or later in the evening.

If temperatures are particularly high, cancelling or postponing a session may be the safest option.

Use Shade Wherever Possible

The FA’s safeguarding guidance advises clubs to make use of shaded areas during hot weather.

Simple measures include:

• Gazebos for substitutes.
• Team shelters.
• Trees or shaded areas around the venue.
• Keeping players out of direct sunlight when not actively involved.

Think About Clothing

Players should wear:

• Lightweight football kit.
• Light-coloured clothing where possible.
• Appropriate sun protection before arrival.

Avoid unnecessary layers or training tops that can increase body temperature.

Cool Down Properly

After training or matches, encourage players to cool down gradually.

Walking around for a few minutes helps maintain circulation and reduces the likelihood of dizziness or feeling unwell after exercise.

Players should continue hydrating after activity and avoid immediately sitting in hot environments.

Duty of Care Comes First

Every club, coach and volunteer has a responsibility to put player welfare first.

Football is important, but it should never come before the health and safety of children.

As highlighted in FA safeguarding guidance, clubs have a duty of care to ensure activities are delivered safely and that environmental conditions are considered before and during football activities.

Remember:

If in doubt, STOP.

There will always be another training session, another match and another opportunity to play football.

The wellbeing of our young players must always come first.

Useful Resources

• NHS: Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Guidance NHS Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke Advice
• FA Warm Weather Guidance FA Warm Weather Guidance (County FA)
• England Football Water & Cooling Break Guidance FA Water and Cooling Break Guidance