Jonathan Paterson PLY is a Scottish 3x Paralympic Footballer who represented Team GB, athlete mentor and inspirational speaker.
From being born 9 weeks premature with a brain haemorrhage and Jonathon’s parents told he might not walk or talk, to becoming Scotland captain, winning 106 caps for his country and scoring 68 goals.
Jonathan Paterson PLY beat Kenny Dalgliesh’s cap record for a male player in the process. Lead the team to winning an international trophy and helped get the team back to a major tournament last year. Jonathan Paterson PLY played for Team GB at three Paralympic Games captaining the team in Beijing, then competing in London and Rio, before retiring last year.
Topics Jonathan Paterson PLY speaks on:
-Bullying: Using himself as a role model share tips for dealing with and overcoming it. Ditch the label!
-Adversity: Discuss ways to thrive during hard times.
-Dealing With Failure: Using his own experiences to help adapt a growth mindset for people.
-Hard Work & Success: Showcasing my own personal journey. “Only disability in life is a bad attitude so why not have a positive one see how far it can take you in life” Hard work beats talent.
-Values In Sport: Discussing the important of them and what lessons can be learned to help develop people in sport and life.
Sport is about more than just winning — it teaches values that shape who we are. In this talk, our athletes explore the core values they live by, such as respect, honesty, teamwork, and perseverance. Pupils will be encouraged to think about the values they want to carry with them, in sport, in school, and in life, and how living by strong values helps build character and confidence.
Every athlete faces tough times, whether it’s injury, defeat, or personal challenges. In this talk, our athletes open up about the adversity they have experienced and how they found the strength to bounce back. Pupils will learn about the importance of resilience, determination, and staying positive in difficult situations. These are valuable lessons they can use in school, sport, and life.
Success in sport rarely happens overnight. It takes effort, commitment, and a willingness to keep going, even when it is tough. In this talk, our athletes share the reality behind their achievements and what it really takes to reach the top. Pupils will hear how hard work, not just talent, is the key to unlocking potential and achieving their goals.
Setbacks are part of life, whether it is a missed goal, a tough exam result, or a personal challenge. In this talk, our athletes share honest stories about times when things did not go to plan and how they managed to bounce back. Pupils will learn how to handle disappointment in a healthy way, build resilience, and stay positive when faced with difficult situations.
Many athletes have experienced or witnessed bullying, and in this honest talk, they share their personal stories of how they overcame it and found strength through sport. Pupils will hear about the importance of kindness, speaking up, and supporting others. This talk encourages pupils to be upstanders, not bystanders, and to create a school culture where everyone feels safe and respected.
Inclusion and diversity are essential for creating a positive and supportive environment for everyone. In this talk, our athletes share their experiences of embracing differences, breaking down barriers, and building inclusive teams. Pupils will be inspired to celebrate diversity, foster understanding, and stand up for others, both in sport and in all areas of life.
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 is possible.
What a fantastic and inspirational event. The children enjoyed taking part in being active and found Jonathon truly inspiring.
Inspirational Athletes connects schools & communities with elite athletes who inspire, motivate and engage young people through talks, workshops and sports sessions.
Address:
Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 1RD
Phone:
020 7993 2724