The Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) has launched the 'Play with Heart' initiative during American Heart Month, partnering with the American Heart Association to address a critical public health issue: the low survival rates for cardiac arrests occurring outside hospitals. According to American Heart Association data, 9 out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital die, often because they do not receive immediate CPR more than half of the time. The initiative uses the league's national platform and regional team reach to encourage fans to learn compression-only CPR, known as Hands-Only CPR, and join the Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, which aims to double survival rates by 2030.
Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, emphasized the importance of immediate response, stating that CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival. The American Heart Association, which publishes the official scientific guidelines for CPR, notes that Hands-Only CPR can be equally effective as traditional CPR in the first few minutes of an emergency. The technique is simple: call 911 if you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest. The association provides resources for learning this lifesaving skill, including at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.
Throughout February, MASL clubs will hold in-arena activations and share educational resources and public service messages to promote CPR awareness. Each team will designate one 'Play with Heart' game, with players wearing commemorative red armbands to highlight the campaign. The league will auction eight team-signed armbands, with proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association, while additional player-worn armbands will be distributed locally. Scheduled games include matches such as Utica City FC at Empire Strykers on February 5, St. Louis Ambush at Baltimore Blast on February 14, and San Diego Sockers at Kansas City Comets on February 14, among others listed through February 27.
Keith Tozer, commissioner of the Major Arena Soccer League, drew parallels between the sport and emergency response, noting that indoor soccer is fast, physical, and community-driven, similar to the quick action needed in a cardiac emergency. The initiative reinforces a shared commitment to player safety, fan well-being, and positive community impact. MASL clubs will also spotlight heart health messaging during games, on broadcasts, and across digital channels, aiming to build confidence among fans to act in emergencies. This collaboration highlights the potential for sports organizations to drive meaningful public health outcomes by leveraging their influence to educate and mobilize communities, potentially saving lives through increased CPR knowledge and readiness.
