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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] CareerLeeds UnitedBorn 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] AccidentOn 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 CareerWhile 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
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