Paul was one of the players at the very first training session of the disability section and in May 2008 represented the Special Olympic Great Britain Football Team (a team for players with learning disabilities) at a 5 day international football competition in Zurich. The event attracted 24 teams from countries all over Europe with GB playing a series of qualifying matches against Serbia, Belgium and Iceland. After winning two of the three games the squad went on to play Poland, Greece and Germany. As a result of a successful win over Poland the GB squad took home the bronze medal.

How did you come to be selected to represent Great Britain?
I was put forward for trials by my club coach, Dan Rogers. I attended trials in October 2007 with approximately 25 other players from which the squad of 16 was chosen. I was the only player picked from the Eastern region. During February and March 2008 I attended GB squad training in the North East and in Scotland in preparation for the tournament.

What was the highlight of the tournament for you?
To be playing for my National Team was a great honour. I loved the excitement of the competition and coming home with a medal was great. It is a memory that will stay with me forever.

Were there any particular challenges you had to face in order to play?
I would not have been able to represent GB without the support of a number of organisations and local charities such as Follow Your Dreams, St Albans Rotary and The Celle Barnes Trust who provided financial support to help me attend the GB Squad training sessions in the North East and Scotland.

Which other teams have you played for prior to St Albans City Youth Disability?
The first team I played for was a mainstream under-18s team in Stevenage. Before then I was unable to play for a team due to moving around a lot as I was in care at the time. The only other team I have trained with is Special Olympic St Albans but they do not play many matches, although we will be playing at the National Special Olympic Games in Leicester in July.

What does St Albans City Youth Disability Section mean to you?
It has given me an opportunity to play more football and meet new friends. The coaching has improved me as a player and I would not have got to where I am now without playing regularly for the team. I am looking forward to testing myself in the mainstream league next season.