A new study has found that young academy players, professionals or even those footballers who have stopped formal training are at increased risk of dying suddenly from an underlying heart condition.

Published on Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine, the research underlines the importance of monitoring the wellbeing of young sportspeople and ensuring that heart screenings are carried out regularly.

Supported by the heart charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young, and the Football Association, the 10-year study was based at St George’s University, London and has followed increased awareness of the issue following the deaths of Marc Vivien Foe, Junior Dian, Danny Wilkinson - and the collapse in 2012 of Fabrice Muamba.

The study analysed more than 11,000 players aged 16 or 17 who had undergone heart screening as part of regular medicals from academy levels onwards. “Of this cohort, one in 266 (42 players) were diagnosed with a condition associated with young sudden cardiac death,” said lead author Dr Aneil Malhotra.

“Reassuringly, of this group, almost three quarters were able to return to play later – following either corrective surgery or risk stratification. However, tragically, two of those who were advised against competitive sport died later, during exercise, highlighting how serious these conditions can be.”