A DISABLED football fanatic has managed to visit every one of the 92 football grounds in the English Football League – and he’s only 21.
Morgan Parry, who has cerebral palsy, has travelled over 7,500 miles in the past nine months alone attending football matches across the country.
Morgan from Edgworth, Lancashire started his challenge aged just seven, and completed it on April 22.
He attended Adam’s Park, home to League One side Wycombe Wanderers, in their match against Walsall.
Morgan tweeted: “Adams Park – Ground 92 for Wycombe Wanderers v Walsall.”
Morgan has been inundated with messages of congratulations including one from his own club, Bolton.
They tweeted: “Congratulations to long-standing Bolton fan @MorganParry97 who completed the @EFL 92 yesterday with a trip to @wwfcofficial – a feat he has achieved at the age of just 21!”
Fans have also flocked to congratulate Morgan on his incredible achievement.
Penderel said: “That’s brilliant Morgan. From a football fan who travels to many games but never made the 92. Congratulations and look forward to yours and Bolton Wanderers return to Elland Rd.”
Lanky Cobbler added: “Well done fella! That’s a cracking effort at 21!”
Chris Hammer wrote: “The most inspiring feat anyone associated with Bolton Wanderers has done for many a year.”
John Rushton said: “Well done Morgan, someone that BWFC can be proud of!”
Jimmy Holt added: “Fair play to you one thing many football fans wish to achieve.”
Bolton Wanderers FC have also expressed their delight at Morgan’s achievement.
A spokeswoman from Bolton Wanderers said: “We are all absolutely delighted for Morgan on his achievement, especially at such a young age.
“He is such a huge part of the fabric of the football club and is extremely popular amongst our supporters, with his infectious smile very much his trademark.
“Alongside this, he has also recently been named as an Ambassador for Level Playing Field and BWFC are behind him all the way as he continues making a difference for people with disabilities in not just sport, but all aspects of life.”
Morgan’s dad Stephen Parry, 62, revealed some of the most memorable moments in Morgan’s remarkable journey.
Stephen said: “The most memorable game would have been the end of last season Bolton vs Nottingham Forest. It was just the drama of it. Bolton were 2-1 down with six minutes to go, and then we end up winning 3-2. It was amazing.
“In terms of atmospehere Anfield [Liverpool FC] is quite impressive, but some of the smaller league grounds are good like Nots County and Forest Green Rovers.”
The feat was made possible by the tireless work of Bolton Wanderers and many of their supporters according to Morgan’s dad, Stephen.
Stephen added: “The community of support from fans sparked him to decide to do it. It was at the end of last season when he realised he had visited around 80 of the grounds.
“Bolton have been flexible and supportive. They changed the contract of their away match coaches to accommodate Morgan because he wanted to travel on the coach with the rest of the fans, and provided him with an away season ticket. It has been possible because of significant people.”
Morgan was recently named the ambassador for charity organisation ‘Level Playing Field’ in February which aims to bring a fair and engaging matchday experience for disabled fans.
Stephen added: “For Morgan, an important issue is having Changing Place toilet facilities. There are 250,00 people in the UK who need these facilities. Very few in League 1 and League 2 and only six or seven of the 24 clubs in the Championship have these facilities.
I think maybe 15 or 16 of the Premier League clubs now have this facility. Some clubs – Burnley, Chelsea and Swansea provide Mobile (Mobiloo) facilities.
“In the last 15 years facilities at grounds have improved especially in the Premier League, but also clubs seem to be more aware of the needs of disabled people (all disabilities – not just wheelchair users).
“Morgan’s story should encourage young people and those who support them to try to be involved.”
Chief Executive of Level Playing Field, Owain Davies said: “We are delighted to have Morgan as an ambassador of Level Playing Field as he raises awareness of what needs to be done to improve the matchday experience for disabled fans along with championing good access and inclusion.
“His recent achievement of visiting all 92 clubs is a remarkable feat and demonstrates his passion for football at every level.”
