BURTON Albion’s first team squad got ready for the Championship season by listening to inspirational talks from three former servicemen.
All three have been injured on active duty but are now using their positive attitude towards adversity to inspire others.
Stewart Hill, Daren Swift and Stewart Harris came to the Pirelli Stadium and were welcomed by Albion manager Nigel Clough. Each then told the players their stories and how they had fought back with courage and determination.
Stewart Hill suffered brain injuries in Afghanistan in 2009.
Stewart Harris was diagnosed with post- traumatic stress disorder after his third tour to Afghanistan in 2012.
Daren Swift lost both legs after being injured by a bomb serving in Northern Ireland in the 1980s.
Stewart Hill Ltd and the Drive project are behind the talks.
Stewart said: “We talk about our own experiences of psychological, neurological and physical injury and the transformation that has happened to us and how we have turned that into a positive and made improvements in our lives. The idea is not to preach but to give people an understanding and motivation to improve themselves.
“Burton Albion is the first football club we have visited but I think there is a lot that teams and sporting academies can learn as it’s about dealing with human emotions and the mind. So we hope to do more.
What we also hope to do through the Drive project is generate income to help veterans get back into employment.”
Nigel Clough said: “We were delighted to welcome these three courageous men to Burton Albion and to listen to their stories. I think it was truly inspirational for all at the club who heard them and saw how they have triumphed over adversity.”
Go to stewarthill.co.uk to learn more.
Pictured are: Stewart Hill, Nigel Clough, Daren Swift and Stewart Harris.