Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish Government Health Minister makes the following annoucement concerning health screening for amateur football.

"Delegates, the task of making Scotland healthier is a long term challenge but there is much we can do now.

"Everyone in Scotland was shocked by the tragic death over Christmas of footballer Phil O’Donnell.

"Sudden Cardiac Death is rare, very rare.

"But it does claim too many fit, active young lives.

"Young men are ten times more vulnerable than women.

"There have been many calls since Phil O’Donnell’s death to introduce heart screening for all young athletes.

"Opinion is mixed about the effectiveness of screening and there is a real need to develop a proper evidence base.

"Professional sports men and women can often access screening tests through their sporting bodies.

"But there is currently no access at all for non-professionals.

"So I can announce today that the government is working with the Scottish Football Association to establish a pilot programme that will provide, for the first time, a free screening service for amateur athletes in Scotland.

"The pilot will involve Scottish government investment in the sports medicine centre at Hampden stadium, to create the extra capacity needed to offer this screening service to over-16s who are active in amateur sports.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank Gordon Smith, the SFA Chief Executive and SFA Medical Officer Professor Stuart Hillis for their commitment and I look forward to working with them further to develop this important service for our young people.