21st January 2026
January 21 – Chelsea have become the first Premier League club to roll out epilepsy first aid training across their workforce, following a partnership with the charity Epilepsy Action that places particular emphasis on matchday operations at Stamford Bridge.
The initiative, launching tonight at Chelsea’s home Champions League fixture against Pafos, is being delivered through the club’s health and safety team and is aimed at staff working in and around the stadium on matchdays, when crowds regularly exceed 40,000.
About 79 people are diagnosed with epilepsy in the UK every day, with 137 hospital admissions and three deaths daily linked to the condition. Chelsea estimate that, statistically, an average matchday crowd at Stamford Bridge includes around 400 supporters living with epilepsy.
The programme grew out of an internal review after the club became aware of staff members across its business who have epilepsy. From there, the focus widened to ensure that robust training, response procedures and action plans were in place not only for employees but also to better support supporters attending matches.
The club claims that epilepsy remains widely misunderstood. Research cited as part of the initiative shows that 68% of people would feel afraid witnessing someone having a seizure, while 87% of those living with epilepsy also experience a mental health condition. In London’s most deprived communities, people with epilepsy are three times more likely to die.
Simon Privett, training and education lead at Epilepsy Action, said the partnership set an important marker for the sport. “Epilepsy is more common than many people realise, and knowing what to do in an emergency can make all the difference,” he said.
“Chelsea’s proactive approach shows real leadership – not just in sport but in championing a culture of understanding and safety that other clubs can follow.”
For supporters, the impact is personal. Tracy Brown, a lifelong Chelsea fan who lives with epilepsy, described the daily uncertainty the condition brings, particularly in a stadium environment. “I don’t get warnings before my seizures, they can happen without notice, which makes everyday life, including matchdays, far more complex,” she said. “You’re dealing with noise, lights, fatigue, excitement and large crowds, knowing something could happen at any time.
“That constant awareness takes a physical and emotional toll. Having Chelsea staff trained in epilepsy first aid is genuinely transformative. It means safety, understanding and dignity, not panic or fear if something were to happen.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [moc.l1768995452labto1768995452ofdlr1768995452owedi1768995452sni@g1768995452niwe.1768995452yrrah1768995452](javascript:;)