CHRG and Heartbeat of Football Unite to Support Community Heart Health

The Heartbeat of Football Foundation is a notfor- profit organisation founded in early 2016 by Andy Paschalidis, following the tragic on-field death of his Forest Rangers FC teammate, Matt Richardson, who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while playing over-35s football.

Just two days later, Andy’s close friend Peter Katholos witnessed a similar incident involving his own teammate. These heartbreaking events prompted the creation of the Foundation, with a mission to raise awareness of heart health and prevent further loss within the sporting community.

Heartbeat of Football is built on three core pillars:
• Awareness and Education
• Prevention
• Action

Through community engagement, testing clinics, and ongoing education, the Foundation is dedicated to promoting healthier hearts and saving lives, on and off the field.

One of the Foundation’s main initiatives is its Heart Health Testing Days. These events give local sporting clubs the chance to offer free heart checks. Nurses from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute test blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, then provide advice on improving heart health and reducing risks.

The Foundation relies on community donations and government support to run these clinics. CHRG is a proud supporter of Heartbeat of Football through its ClubGRANTS program. In February 2024, CHRG hosted four free testing clinics across its venues.

During these events, 120 heart health checks were completed, with 88 people advised to follow up with their doctor. A striking result was that 91% of participants didn’t know their heart health numbers, showing how important these clinics are.

“On average around 62% of people we test for cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure have shown high numbers and been referred to go for further testing with their GP” says Andy Paschalidis, Founder of Heartbeat of Sport and Heartbeat of Football Founder. “These activations with the Castle Hill RSL Group are most timely given the dramatic rise in issues we are seeing in the broader Community in 2025”

CHRG will continue its support this July, hosting another four free clinics across its venues. Community members are encouraged to attend and take a simple step toward better heart health.

The participating dates and venues are:

• Lynwood Golf and Country Club – Wednesday 9th July, 11am to 2pm
• Club Parramatta – Wednesday 9th July, 11am to 3pm
• Castle Hill Bowling Club – Saturday 12th July, 10am – 2pm
• Castle Hill Fitness and Aquatic Centre – Wednesday 16th July, 10:30am to 2:30pm

“It’s vital people know if they are at risk. We are blessed to have such a partnership with the CHRG in the fight against our biggest killer – cardiovascular disease. We look forward to our upcoming four activations,” Paschalidis added.

The Foundation continues to grow year after year, with 2025 marking a major milestone as Heartbeat of Football expanded its reach nationwide, delivering heart health testing clinics in every state across Australia.

Together, through early detection and community support, we can help save lives and create a healthier, heart smart Australia.