5 days earlier a 12 year old girl, Leonie Nice died. She was catching a rugby ball in a physical education lesson. It struck her chest and she collapsed. The ambulance team were there within a minute but sadly Leonie died a little while later.
It is, of course a tragedy and reminded me why we should be so thankful and also so well prepared. Leonie's death was especially upsetting to me as it happened at The Woodlands School in Basildon, Essex, England. 10 years ago I was the Head of Physical Education at Woodlands, working with Andy and Denise and working for Head Teacher Andy White. I know how well organized the school is - and prepared - I am so sad they were not able to save Leonie.
It is a fabulous school in a tough part of Essex. Somewhat of a jewel in the crown when it comes to successful schools in urban settings. At that time Woodlands was the second most over subscribed school in the county. Andy White had got the school there and he was, and still is the kind of Head you want to work for. I miss my friends at Woodlands - a school that gave me a job 4 days after returning from the US, set our department up for success and allowed me to visit Austria, Switzerland and Australia. My prayers go to Leonie's family, her friends and my friends at the school, especially both Andys - Badger and White.
In the same way we never expect a healthy, vibrant 12 year old child to collapse and die, we also watch and admire soccer players at the peak of their fitness and assume all we'll see is 90 minutes of soccer. Fabrice Muamba is a talented soccer player born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He has played and international level for England and is considered to be an upcoming player of promise. His collapse shocked everybody, but brought the soccer community that much closer. As events in Munich 1958, Heysel 1985 and Hillsborough 1989 have shown - there is more to life than soccer. I have the famous Shankly quote in mind - and even though I've used it to impress upon the players I coach how important soccer is to some - it is not as important as he said.
Both events are a reminder to me to keep a little perspective when immersed in the beautiful game - and a kick in the pants to make sure as many bases are covered as possible. I know I'll be tracking my players 'physical' status far more closely and insisting on the annual physicals. Practices need to prepare players effectively for competition, but get them there progressively and not drop them in the deep end. I have my CPR Training updated annually, but making sure everyone else in the program is essential and making sure the route to that defibrillator uses the least time possible. Maybe I am writing this as a reminder to myself - apologies but you have to plan for the unexpected. That way you can reduce the risk.
We'll be watching Fabrice Muamba's recovery closely. It's a schedule the Doctors' are preparing for him but the question Bolton, and most other football supporters are asking is obvious. For Leonie we can only say a prayer. I hope her family and Woodlands School community recover and remember how special they all are.
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