AJ Jackson loves introducing people to wheelchair basketball and hopefully changing their lives in the way their’s has been changed through sport.
AJ is a Grade 3 Wheelchair Basketball coach and runs Cheshire Phoenix Wheelchair Basketball Club based in Chester, with a remit for training and recruitment of players and coaches and also promotion of the club to potential players, supporters and sponsors in the wider community.
Sport has always played a huge part in AJ’s life, and they were a member of various school sports teams and also helped out in the PE Dept teaching other pupils in their spare time.
AJ’s big passion was hockey and although they had to give this up following knee problems, this led them to discovering wheelchair basketball. After playing this new sport for just over six months, AJ attended trials for the GB Women’s Wheelchair Basketball team and was selected to join the squad.
Their international career saw AJ represent Great Britain at European Championships, World Championship and Paralympic Games which AJ describes as the most amazing experience of their life.
AJ made the tough decision to retire from international competition in 2008 having been part of GB Team for over 10 years, with 80 international caps to their name. They are very proud to have played for GB and treasure their experiences.
They now run their own business as a Wheelchair Basketball Coach, Tutor and mentor and regularly appears as a Motivational speaker. They also work as a Mental Health Crisis worker and are on the MA in Counselling at University of Chester.
AJ is happy to talk openly about gender, sexuality, mental health and disability as well as about being diagnosed as Autistic in 2020 and with ADHD in 2021. Their talks help you see that your life can be limitless rather than limited.
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.
What makes a great leader? Our athletes share stories of leading by example, lifting up teammates, and taking responsibility — whether they wear the captain’s armband or quietly lead from the sidelines. Pupils will be encouraged to step up, support others, and discover the leader within themselves.
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 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.
Our athletes share powerful personal stories about overcoming barriers, embracing differences, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and included. These talks encourage pupils to celebrate diversity, show kindness, and stand up for others — on the sports field, in the classroom, and beyond.
AJ was very engaging and it was an absolute pleasure meeting them. Their journey to becoming a wheelchair basketball player is exactly what we want our children to understand about resilience and determination. Good humour thrown in as well.
I have Known AJ for many years now and they have always been such an inspirational character. As a School Sport Partnership AJ never has a issue when we ask them to support us at a Primary School event. One of our local high schools also got support from AJ when one of their students was applying for his own personal sports chair. Through AJ’s help and guidance the student was successful in his funding bid and went from strength to strength in his sport ambitions.
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
Inspirational Speakers has been providing high profile keynote speakers and entertainers for over 25 years.
