Clubs mourn ‘beloved player and captain’ who died two days before his 21st birthday

Clubs Margate FC and Baypoint FC mourn ‘beloved player and captain’ Michael Britt who has sadly died two days before his 21st birthday.

Britt, who had been part of Margate’s under-23’s squad while also a captain for Baypoint’s men’s team, passed away on Thursday night.

He played for Margate from the age of six until under-16’s and went back this season for the under-23’s team.

Margate said in a club statement via Twitter: It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved player, Michael Britt.

He dedicated his youth to Margate, playing from the age of six until U16’s, when health challenges forced him to step away. Returning this season to our Margate U23’s, he became an indispensable part of the team.

We mourn the loss of this kind, talented soul and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Margate Chairman Ricky Owen added: “This is terribly sad news and one that has hit us at the very core of this football Club. Michael dedicated his life to playing for Margate Football Club and all our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very difficult time.”

It has been agreed that tonight’s U23’s fixture at home to Staplehurst Monarchs will go ahead in Michael’s memory and it will be free for all supporters.

We will observe a minute of silence in memory of Michael, a diligent and compassionate young man taken from us too soon.

Margate Youth FC said: “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved player, Michael Britt.

“He dedicated his youth to Margate, playing for the youth section from the age of 6 to 16, when health challenges forced him to step away.

“Michael returned this season to our Margate U23’s, and he became an indispensable part of the team.

“We mourn the loss of this kind, talented soul and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

“We will be observing a minutes applause before Margate Youth fixtures this weekend in the memory Michael.”

Baypoint FC: “A post we never thought we’d have to make.

“We are devastated to inform everyone of the passing of our skipper, Michael Britt.

“Michael was our gentle giant.

“Someone who defines the term, salt of the earth. Our skipper who was the heartbeat of the club.

“His team mates were his brothers and he was there’s.

“We could talk all day about Michael and how special he was.

“Thank you Michael for everything you done for us as a club and as a family. Things will never be the same again without you.

“Everytime we step on the pitch, you’ll always be with us.

“Forever and always our skip, we love you ❤️”

Other clubs and fans took mourn the ‘beloved player’ who died two days before his 21st birthday…

@jasminewmfc: RIP Michael, you will be missed by everyone 💙❤️

@DavidHansenMFC: Taken too soon. Wonderful player and a joy to have as part of our community, rest in peace young man.

@Joshua_Cole04: Rest in peace Michael, you will be missed 💙

@gfcjordan: Heartbreakingly sad news this. Played with Mike at Whitstable. Stayed sort of in touch since, keeping up to date with each others football. Hand on heart one of the soundest lads I met in football. 2 days before his birthday too. Heart breaks for his family. Rest in peace, skip 🕊️

@Steph_Meek_13: Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time! Huge loss to the football community and everyone who knew him personally. RIP Michael 💙 Margate FC Women will observe a minute silence on Sunday in Michael’s memory! 🕊️

@WhitstableAcad1: We are saddened to hear the news of the passing of our former academy student Michael. A truly brilliant student and excellent footballer. A fantastic soul lost to this world. RIP Michael Brittle! ❤️

Alan P W Anstice: Sad news, my thoughts with his family and team mates 💙

Gary Salmon: This is so incredibly sad. Sincere condolences to Michael’s family and the U23s on their tragic loss.

Justine Bernard: Such sad news, can’t quite believe it, thinking of Michael’s family at this terrible time 😢

Alan Holman: Sending love

Josh Algar: Very sad to hear the news of one of our former scholarship students who has sadly passed away last night. A truly brilliant student and excellent footballer! A fantastic soul lost to this world. RIP Michael ❤️

Ryan Day: Getting to register Michael for the 23’s this summer was brilliant. Margate FC ran through his blood, he had been part of the club from six years old, and he was over the moon to be joining up with the 23’s this year. This brings everything into perspective. Fly high Michael, the boys will do you proud tonight 💙