Goalkeeper Craig Gordon and striker Roy O'Donovan were at Sunderland Royal Hospital's Accident and Emergency Unit when they volunteered their services to youngsters taking part in a new first aid course.

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They were bandaged up and put in the recovery position by Year Six pupils from Ryhope Junior School as part of an initiative run by St John Ambulance, Sunderland Primary Care Trust and Safety Works.

The players were invited to launch the new Young First Aider Award as part of Barclays Premier League and Sunderland AFC Foundation's Creating Chances initiative – which offers local charities and community groups the chance to have a footballer visit their project to drive awareness and create fund-raising opportunities.

Peter Lane, school liaison officer for St John Ambulance, said: "The Injury Minimisation Protection Scheme has been running for a number of years in schools to reduce the number of accidental injuries amongst children.

"It's a fantastic programme, but last year it was in danger of folding. But we all got together to improve it and make it work and now, at the end of it, the children get a Young First Aider award, which is fantastic."

The Young First Aider award is a nationally recognised qualification, which teaches young people how to reduce accidental injuries and provides them with training in emergency care.

Peter added: "It's fantastic that SAFC Foundation and the Premier League are getting behind the campaign. Having Sunderland players help out really raises our profile."

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Lesley Spuhler, SAFC Foundation chief executive, said: "We are delighted to be involved in such a worthwhile scheme targeted to youngsters and the local community.

"The Foundation shares the same aims and ambition as the Creating Chances initiative and it's a great opportunity for the footballers to meet young people and encourage them to join in something positive."

Club chairman Niall Quinn, who is also an SAFC Foundation trustee, added: "The Creating Chances initiative is very important. Football as a whole, the Premier League, its clubs and, very importantly, the players must engage with fans on a meaningful level as they are the ones with the ability to inspire kids."