Former Port Vale captain Leon Legge has called on football clubs across the country to tackle misconceptions and stigma surrounding epilepsy by making awareness training part of their game plan.
The former defender, who lives with epilepsy, has thrown his support behind his old club’s partnership with Epilepsy Action, following Saturday’s (31 October) fixture against Rochdale at Vale Park which saw Port Vale victorious with a score of 4-2.
Legge said: “Throughout my football career, I’ve played alongside teammates who knew very little about epilepsy beyond things like flashing lights. I think that’s true of a lot of people.
“Having people around you who understand epilepsy and know what to do if someone has a seizure can make a real difference. That’s why I would love to see more football clubs introducing epilepsy awareness training.”
Port Vale raising awareness
Epilepsy Action estimates that around 168 people attending the Rochdale fixture on the weekend could have been living with epilepsy, highlighting the importance of greater understanding of the condition at football grounds.
The partnership saw Port Vale use its matchday platform to raise awareness of epilepsy among supporters, with the squad wearing Epilepsy Action T-Shirts during the warm-up, stadium screen awareness messages and Fan Zone activities.
Epilepsy Action also provided the club with its CARE video, which explains how to help someone having a seizure, which was shown to staff ahead of the match.
Take action
Leon who was diagnosed with epilepsy at 16 after experiencing a seizure during football training, went on to enjoy a 15-year professional career, playing for clubs including Brentford, Gillingham, Cambridge United and Port Vale.
Welcoming his former club’s involvement, he said: “It’s fantastic to see Port Vale supporting epilepsy awareness.
“There are 92 clubs across the Premier League and English football League, and I’d love to see more of them taking action, whether that’s raising awareness among supporters or giving the staff the training they need.”
Bringing epilepsy into the conversation
Epilepsy Action previously delivered training to Chelsea FC and hope that Leon sharing his personal experience will encourage more clubs to get involved.
Charlotte Stern, corporate partnerships manager for Epilepsy Action, said: “A seizure can happen anywhere including at a football match, and knowing how to respond can make an enormous difference.
“We are delighted that Port Vale is helping to bring epilepsy into the conversation. We hope this partnership encourages more clubs to give their staff and supporters the knowledge and confidence to help someone experiencing a seizure.”
A great platform
Port Vale has also used the fixture to introduce supporters to the work of the national charity and encourage greater understanding of the condition.
Ryan Grant, director of growth at Port Vale FC said: “We’re really pleased to be supporting Epilepsy Action at our game against Rochdale and helping to raise awareness of a condition that affects the lives of some many people.
“Football clubs have a great platform to reach people from all walks of life, so we’re proud to use a matchday at Vale Park to help shine a light on the work Epilepsy Action does and encourage our supporters to learn more about epilepsy.”
For Leon the partnership also carries a personal message for supporters.
“To anyone living with epilepsy, I’d say you’re not alone. I know how difficult it can be trying to explain the condition to people who haven’t experienced it for themselves.
“There are other footballers living with epilepsy too, and we understand what you are going through. It’s important for people to know that.”
For more information about epilepsy, seizure first aid and epilepsy awareness training visit the Epilepsy Action website.
More articles
