This Teen Wants to Be the First Pro Soccer Player with Cystic Fibrosis

Every child has a dream of what they want to be when they grow up. For 14-year-old Morgan Coxhead, that dream is to become the first professional soccer player with cystic fibrosis (CF). Morgan was diagnosed with the inherited disease at the age of 1. Despite living with CF and having to work twice as hard as the other soccer players, the talented goalie’s string of top performances, as well as his handling and shot-stopping skills, have already drew the attention of leading coaches from across the nation. “I want to be the first person with cystic fibrosis to become a professional footballer – I don’t think anyone has ever done that before,” said Morgan. “I know I need to work hard, with CF I need to do twice as much as everyone else and train twice as hard, but I am willing to do whatever is necessary,” he added.

He has built up quite the experience so far

Morgan is currently a member of two soccer clubs, Truro City and Charlestown, and representing his county, Cornwall. He has already visited the England senior squad for training and he has been invited to join the training program at Plymouth Argyle. The future star has created Pasties for Pooches to raise funds so that he can join an elite summer training camp at Manchester City. His goal is to raise 1,200 pounds by baking Cornish pasty treats in the shape of dog biscuits and so far, he has been able to raise 485 pounds and counting. “Everyone in Cornwall loves dogs and everyone loves a Cornish pasty so I thought I could combine the two and give our much-loved dogs a special treat,” he wrote.

Morgan describes himself as a confident team player and stated that seeing the professional rugby player, Nathan Charles (who also has CF), walk out and play in the field has greatly inspired him. “Because of what he has done I know it is possible,” he said. Morgan is aware that he will need to overcome a few obstacles as a result of his condition; however, he told his mother that since CF has an average life expectancy of 40 years old, achieving a professional soccer career into his mid-30s was possible. “I’ll go training, come back and do more nebulizers and physio. I can take up to about 15-50 tablets a day,” he said.

A risk he is willing to take

Morgan’s mother, Vicky, stated that she is extremely proud of his son’s accomplishments. “He will not let having cystic fibrosis stop him carrying out his ambitions. He will do what he can to get there,” she said. She expressed his son’s great determination in going all the way and knowing that he can achieve it if he works hard enough. The only barrier is to find a team that will be willing to take on her son and his CF. “One minute he will be fine and the next minute he could be in hospital. It is a risk some clubs don’t want to take but he wants to push through those barriers,” said Vicky. 

Read on to learn about Morgan's incredible story.