Peter Mitchell (footballer)

Peter Mitchell is a Northern Irish former professional footballer who played as a full back for Leeds Utd.[1] He is also a former Ireland international wheelchair basketball player, actor and motivational speaker.[2]

Career

Leeds United

Born and raised in Limavady, Northern Ireland, Mitchell came to England as a 16 year old to play for Leeds United who were, at the time, managed by David O'Leary and had a reputation for bringing through Irish players.[3] Mitchell had been playing youth football for Institute when he signed for Leeds.[4]

Accident

On 21 July 2002, Mitchell was a passenger in the back of a Leeds Utd teammate's car which crashed and flipped off the road.[5]

Post Playing Career

While Mitchell was in hospital he was visited by a member of the Knights wheelchair basketball team who persuaded him to take up the game and, in 2004, he represented Ireland at the European Championships.[6]

Whilst playing for the Knights he was contacted about an acting opportunity which resulted in him starring in the Channel 4 series Cast Offs. Mitchell admitted that he had never intended to pursue an acting career and "wasn't even in a school play"[7] but nevertheless was cast, in 2011, as Pete Hamill in the soap Hollyoaks[8] and in 2015 he appeared in Coronation Street.[9]

Mitchell now tells his story, particularly to young footballers, as a motivational speaker[10]

References
  1. "Former United youngster on small screen". Leeds United FC. 24 November 2009. Retrieved 24 November 2009.
  2. "I'm ready now: Former Northern Ireland U19 captain dreaming of football career again after paralysing car crash". Belfast Telegraph. 4 December 2018. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
  3. "Peter Mitchell: No Regrets". League Football Education.
  4. "Peter Mitchell's Premier League career was cruelly cut short when he was paralysed in a car crash. Now the Northern Ireland man is starring in Corrie". Belfast Telegraph.
  5. "BBC Football: Peter Mitchell: Former Leeds United player inspiring scholars after 2002 car crash". BBC Sport. 3 December 2018. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  6. "PARALYMPICS European Wheelchair Basketball Championships". Sport Ireland. Retrieved 2023-09-27.
  7. "Interview with new Hollyoaks actor Peter Mitchell". BBC. 18 February 2011. Retrieved 18 February 2011.
  8. "Limavady Actor in Hollyoaks". BBC. 24 February 2011. Retrieved 24 February 2011.
  9. "Peter Mitchell talks Corrie role, Hollyoaks memories and future plans". Digital Spy. 28 March 2015. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
  10. "Wigan Athletic Academy staff and players enjoy an inspirational guest speaker session from former Leeds United defender and Coronation Street actor Peter Mitchell". Wigan Athletic FC. 17 November 2021. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
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