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A promising footballer who went on to represent Team GB at the Paralympic Games, Alistair Patrick-Heselton’s story is one of perseverance and determination.
Starting out at Wycombe Wanderers as a schoolboy, Alistair showed great potential from an early age, and was soon snapped up by Queen’s Park Rangers. The forward was prolific at Under-17 level, and featured a number of times of the reserve side before suffering a severe cruciate ligament injury while on loan at Oldham Athletic.
After stints at a number of different clubs, Alistair opted to combine playing semi-professional football with studying for a career in quantity surveying, turning out for Isthmian League outfit Wingate & Finchley. However, in 2006, the striker was a passenger in car accident which claimed the life of his best friend and also former professional footballer, fracturing his skull and spending two months in a coma.
He later resumed consciousness but was informed that he may never walk again, seemingly ending his football career. Determined to recover and enjoy life, four years on, Alistair was contacted by England and Team GB Paralympic football squad and convinced the former prospect of trying out for the CP team, consisting of players with cerebral palsy and other brain injuries.
Since making his Team GB debut at the 2011 CPISRA Championships for England, Alistair became a shining star for his country, playing a crucial role in the lead-up to the 2012 BT Paralympic World Cup final. He led the fightback in the final against Brazil, pulling back England’s second goal in a courageous 4-2 defeat. Alistair went on to compete at London 2012 scoring against Argentina.
Alistair went on to represent Team GB at the Paralympic Games four months later, laying on three assists and finding the back of the net against Argentina.
In 2017 Alistair was chosen to be inducted in the National Football Museum Hall of Fame, where he received the Football for all award.
Alistair now acts as a mentor and speaker for the next generation of footballers, working with the PFA, Premier League and regional FAs to guide and inspire children across the country.
The participants thoroughly enjoyed having Alistair be involved in their County Final, and that he interacted so well with the children was great! He spoke to them on a level that they understood and gave them advice to take away.
Alex Bond, Norfolk School Games
Alistair was a great speaker and really inspired the students. He had a great speech and presentation pre planned.
Alicia Currie, Farnborough College of Technology
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Sporting Champions introduces world class Inspired Athletes for the Schools and the education sector.
Inspirational Speakers has been providing high profile keynote speakers and entertainers for over 25 years.
Sporting Champions introduces world class Inspired Athletes for the Schools and the education sector.
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