Games veteran forms Shropshire's first sitting volleyball team

Paul Twitchell was an armourer in the RAF who was diagnosed with depression and PTSD.

The 45-year-old, who has played standing volleyball for a number of years for Telford Volleyball Club, was chosen to compete in the annual games in Sydney, designed to take wounded, injured and sick veterans and service personnel to compete in a number of sports.

After winning a silver medal at the international competition, he fell in love with the sport all over again.

"The Invictus Games sparked a massive passion in me for sitting volleyball," he said.

"I decided when I was in Sydney that I wanted to start a team as there isn't one in Shropshire.

"You don't have to be disabled to play and it caters for just about anybody – I've played with competitors that have no arms and no legs and can still compete.

"I thought it was going to be easier but I was so wrong. It's so much harder as your movement is restricted."

Eagles

Paul's team, Telford Eagles, train every Thursday evening at Telford College, from 6pm to 7pm, and compete nationally every year.

"I wanted to create an opportunity for people that felt shut away to come out and get involved with something that will welcome them no matter their circumstances.

"One of our players used to play volleyball until, due to her mental health, she stopped going out completely.

"I'm delighted to say she's now a first team player and seeing her get involved with a smile on her face is absolutely brilliant.

"Before I tried it I wasn't aware that the sport was so intense and fast paced. I still play standing volleyball but this really has evolved the sport for me."

Paul said he is hoping more people that may feel isolated will come down and give it a try.

"I would love for more people to come down. The majority of players are able bodied who love the sport, so I'm sure there are more disabled people that could come and give it a try. No matter what disability you might think you have, this is an amazing, adaptive sport for everyone."

Anyone interested in getting involved can contact Paul on paultwitchell@sky.com for a free taster session.