BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A young child with a dream of playing soccer for Florida Atlantic University had that wish come true thanks to Make-A-Wish Foundation. Nathaniel Tucker just spent a day with the FAU men’s team.
Tucker, 13, is a Pompano Beach resident. He is also living with the effects of sickle cell disease. For his special day, Nathaniel got to forget about his illness and focus on soccer, and “his team.”
“Nathaniel attended meetings and had lunch with his new teammates and coaches, participated in drills on the practice field, hyped the players pregame, and sat with the college athletes on the bench during an actual game,” said a statement shared with BocaNewsNow.com by Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. ” Nathaniel, who plays soccer on his school’s team, enjoyed interacting with the Owls and seemed to really appreciate the acceptance and friendship he was shown during his time on campus.”
The experience was co-sponsored by the Brady Hunter Foundation. His condition is considered to be “critical,” according to Make-A-Wish of Southern Florida.
