Sports First Aid Kits UK Guide (Schools, Clubs & Gyms)

  • 5 min reading time

Sports bring huge benefits for health and teamwork, but accidents and injuries are common โ€” from sprains and cuts to bruises and nosebleeds. Thatโ€™s why every school, club, or gym should have a properly stocked sports first aid kit ready to use.

This guide explains what should go inside, how kits differ from general workplace or home kits, and how to keep them maintained in the UK.

Why Sports First Aid Kits Are Essential

Unlike standard kits, sports kits often deal with:

  • Sprains and strains
  • Cuts, grazes and bleeding injuries
  • Bruises and impact injuries
  • Minor fractures and dislocations
  • Eye injuries or nosebleeds

Having the right equipment on hand means treatment can start immediately, reducing risk of further harm until professional care is available.

What Should Be in a Sports First Aid Kit?

A good sports kit includes everything in a standard kit, plus extra supplies for injuries common in physical activity. Essentials include:

  • Sterile dressings and bandages (various sizes)
  • Cold packs (instant or reusable)
  • Crepe bandages and elastic supports for sprains
  • Adhesive tape and plasters
  • Antiseptic wipes and alcohol swabs
  • Sterile eye wash pods
  • Foil blankets for shock
  • Gloves (nitrile, disposable)
  • CPR face shield or mask
  • Scissors and safety pins
  • Guidance leaflet

๐Ÿ‘‰ For a complete breakdown of general supplies, see our UK first aid kit contents guide.

Sports First Aid in Schools

Schools must meet the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. While there is no set legal list of items, the BS 8599-1 standard is considered best practice.

PE departments should have:

At least one sports first aid kit for lessons, matches and trips.
A responsible staff member appointed to check and restock regularly.

๐Ÿ‘‰ See our guide on how many first aid kits a workplace needs for more detail on compliance. For more on selecting the right size for your team or venue, see our First Aid Kit Sizes Guide.

Sports First Aid Kit Recommendations

To make things clearer, hereโ€™s a quick reference table showing the recommended sports first aid kit sizes for schools, clubs, and gyms in the UK.

Setting Recommended Kit Notes
Schools (PE departments & sports teams) Medium Sports Kit At least one kit per PE area or team. Appoint staff to check and restock regularly.
Sports Clubs (football, rugby, cricket, etc.) Medium or Large Sports Kit Pitch-side/court-side kit required for matches. More than one kit recommended for larger clubs.
Gyms & Fitness Centres Small to Medium Kit Keep in reception and workout areas. Must be accessible to staff and members.

Sports Clubs and Gyms

Clubs and gyms also fall under workplace health and safety rules when staff or volunteers are present. Sports kits should be available:

  • In changing areas and gyms
  • Pitch-side or court-side during matches
  • On trips or away games

Because items like cold packs and bandages are used frequently, sports kits need regular refills. ๐Ÿ‘‰ Our refills and restocking checklist explains how to keep kits ready.

Maintenance and Refills

  • Check before each session or match โ€” especially cold packs and bandages.
  • Restock immediately after use.
  • Log checks and expiry dates if responsible for school or club equipment.

๐Ÿ‘‰ For more on expiry, see our do first aid kits expire? guide.

Sports First Aid Kits โ€” FAQ

What makes a sports first aid kit different?
Sports kits include extra items such as cold packs, elasticated bandages and supports for sprains, in addition to standard first aid supplies.
Do schools need a sports first aid kit?
Yes. Schools must provide adequate first aid under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. PE departments should always have a sports kit available.
How often should sports kits be checked?
Before each match or session, and after every use. Regular refills are essential as sports kits are used more often than standard workplace kits.
What size sports kit is best?
It depends on group size and activity. A small team may only need one portable kit, while larger clubs or schools should keep multiple kits available in different locations.

ย 


Login

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account yet?
Create account