Alistair Patrick-Heselton worked with the P.F.A and Premier League to educate young players on the importance of well-being & fulfilling potential.
Alistair played for Wycombe Wanderers FC as a schoolboy and was then approached and signed by QPR – he played in the youth and reserves from the age of 17.
A talented young footballer with dreams of playing at the highest level, Alistair Patrick-Heselton’s journey took an unexpected turn, leading him to represent Team GB at the Paralympic Games in a remarkable story of resilience and determination.
Alistair started his career at Wycombe Wanderers before being snapped up by Queen’s Park Rangers, where he showed great promise as a forward. He made a strong impact at the Under-17 level and featured in the reserves before a cruciate ligament injury while on loan at Oldham Athletic temporarily halted his progress.
Balancing semi-professional football with a career in quantity surveying, Alistair played for Wingate & Finchley in the Isthmian League. However, in 2006, tragedy struck. He was involved in a devastating car accident that claimed the life of his best friend and left him in a coma with a fractured skull. Doctors told him he might never walk again, let alone play football.
Despite the prognosis, Alistair refused to give up. Four years later, he was approached by England’s CP football team (for players with cerebral palsy and brain injuries) and was encouraged to give it a go. He quickly became a standout player, making his England debut at the 2011 CPISRA Championships.
In the lead-up to the 2012 Paralympic Games, Alistair played a key role in England’s campaign at the BT Paralympic World Cup, scoring in a thrilling final against Brazil. He went on to compete at London 2012, making his mark with a goal against Argentina.
Alistair’s incredible story is a testament to perseverance, turning adversity into triumph, and proving that setbacks can lead to even greater achievements.
What does it take to bounce back from disappointment? Our athletes open up about tough moments in their careers — from injuries to defeats — and how resilience helped them keep going. Pupils will learn valuable lessons about never giving up, adapting to change, and staying strong when times get tough.
Sport, like life, is full of unexpected twists and turns. In this talk, our athletes reflect on times they’ve faced change, setbacks, or uncertain futures — from injuries to last-minute selections and global events like the pandemic. Pupils will hear honest, uplifting advice about how to stay calm, positive, and adaptable when life doesn’t go to plan.
Having a growth mindset means believing you can improve through effort, learning, and perseverance. In this talk, our athletes explain how this way of thinking has helped them deal with setbacks, learn from mistakes, and keep improving, no matter the odds. Pupils will be encouraged to embrace challenges, stay positive, and understand that hard work and resilience lead to progress — both in sport and in life.
Behind every athlete’s success is the importance of looking after their mind as well as their body. In this honest and supportive talk, our athletes open up about how they manage pressure, deal with setbacks, and stay mentally healthy. Pupils will hear positive, practical advice on looking after their own wellbeing, coping with stress, and the importance of speaking up and supporting each other.
What makes a team truly successful? Our athletes reveal the secrets behind high-performing teams — whether it’s a sports squad, a relay team, or a support network behind the scenes. They’ll share how trust, clear roles, good communication, and a shared goal lead to outstanding results. Pupils will learn how these lessons apply not just in sport, but in school groups, projects, and friendships too.
The Paralympic Games are a celebration of determination, talent, and breaking down barriers. In this talk, our Paralympians and para-athletes share their incredible journeys, highlighting the power of resilience, inclusion, and the human spirit. Pupils will hear how these athletes have overcome challenges, changed perceptions, and achieved greatness on the world stage — inspiring everyone to believe in what’s possible.
Having Alistair involved in our day made a real difference to all those taking part. He was fantastic at engaging with the young people and the messages he gave them about working hard to overcome barriers was really inspiring.
Inspirational Athletes connects schools & communities with elite athletes who inspire, motivate and engage young people through talks, workshops and sports sessions.
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Inspirational Speakers has been providing high profile keynote speakers and entertainers for over 25 years.
