Arena Soccer League Launches Play With Heart CPR Initiative

The Major Arena Soccer League is partnering with the American Heart Association to encourage fans to learn Hands-Only CPR and join the Nation of Lifesavers movement.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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The Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) is launching a monthlong, league-wide initiative called Play with Heart to encourage fans to learn Hands-Only CPR and join the American Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers movement. The goal is to help more people recognize cardiac emergencies and know how to respond, as the American Heart Association reports that 9 out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die, in part because they do not receive immediate CPR more than half of the time.

Why it matters

Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival during a cardiac emergency, but many people lack the confidence or knowledge to perform it. By using MASL's national platform and each team's regional reach, the Play with Heart initiative aims to educate communities, inspire action, and ultimately help save lives.

The details

Throughout February, which is American Heart Month, MASL clubs will hold in-arena activations and share educational resources and public service messages encouraging fans to learn and practice compression-only CPR, known as Hands-Only CPR. Each MASL team will also designate one Play with Heart game during the month, with players wearing commemorative red armbands to highlight the campaign. Eight team-signed armbands will be auctioned by the league, with proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association.

  • The Play with Heart initiative is launching during American Heart Month in February 2026.
  • Scheduled Play with Heart games include Feb. 5, Feb. 14, Feb. 16, Feb. 21, Feb. 22, and Feb. 27.

The players

Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)

A professional indoor soccer league in North America.

American Heart Association

A non-profit organization that is the worldwide leader in resuscitation science, education, and training, and publishes the official scientific guidelines for CPR.

Keith Tozer

Commissioner of the Major Arena Soccer League.

Nancy Brown

Chief executive officer of the American Heart Association.

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What they’re saying

“We are grateful for efforts that help more people feel confident recognizing a cardiac emergency and taking action. Each year, hundreds of thousands of cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals, and immediate CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival. That's why we are committed to growing the Nation of Lifesavers, so more people feel prepared and ready to act when it matters most.”

— Nancy Brown, Chief executive officer (American Heart Association)

“Indoor soccer is fast, physical and driven by community support — just like the response needed in a cardiac emergency. Play with Heart is about helping fans understand that quick action, including Hands-Only CPR, can save a life and is simple to do.”

— Keith Tozer, Commissioner (Major Arena Soccer League)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This initiative highlights the importance of CPR education and training, as immediate action can significantly improve survival rates for cardiac emergencies that occur outside of a hospital setting. By leveraging the reach of the Major Arena Soccer League, the Play with Heart campaign aims to empower more people to become lifesavers in their communities.