Although fairly unusual it is possible especially for younger players to suffer from mild hypothermia given the colds winds and rain we have experienced lately.
Normally sporting activity provides sufficient body heat to keep footballers warm. But in certain conditions such as a player substituted and not having adequate warm clothing or a goal or onfield player on a one sided game who do not generate enough heat to maintain body temperature.
So if a player has cold extremities, shivering , mild incoordination and appear slightly confused they must be removed from the cold and covered in blankets (space blankets are better than nothing but not so effective as conventional blankets) together with a warm sweet drink the patient should recover quickly but must be observed. If they not and symptoms worsen then medical help should be sought.
With good planning and warm blankets kept in the car there should be no problem.
May I take this occasion to wish everyone involved in grassroots football a merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Dick