A FOOTBALLER with a “heart of gold” has died just days before his 21st birthday.
Michael Britt, who was part of Margate FC’s under-23’s squad and captain of Baypoint FC’s men’s team, died on Thursday night, two days before his birthday.
Facebook/Baypoint Football ClubMichael Britt has died just two days before his 21st birthday[/caption]
Both clubs have already shared touching tributes to the talented young people, who has been described as a “born leader and a genuine good guy.”
Michael began playing for Margate when he was just six-years-old but left while he was with the under-16 squad as “health challenges forced him to step away”, according to a statement put out by the club.
The statement added: “Returning this season to our Margate U23s, 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.”
Britt had also been playing for Baypoint FC for the past two seasons.
The club posted a statement to its Facebook page, saying: “Michael was a born leader and a genuine good guy, he will be missed greatly by everyone involved with Baypoint and Baypoint FC.
“Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and teammates at this difficult time.”
The club also shared a further statement with KentOnline, which said: “Michael was the first captain of our men’s team. He was the heart and soul of the team, our club, and our community at Baypoint.
“He tied the team together and if you had to write what qualities a captain of a team needed, Michael had them all and more.
“He led by example, put his team-mates first, was inspirational, positive, caring, determined and was our captain.
“As a community we are devastated. Tomorrow would have been his 21st birthday.
“We will retire the number two shirt from the first team and will hang it proudly at Baypoint.
“Britt (his nickname) is one of the nicest, kindest, and loveable lads we have had the pleasure of knowing.
“Taken away far too soon and young! You will be missed by so many people. What a lad and what a skipper.”
Britt was also described as a “true one-of-a-kind” in a tribute by his manager and his Baypoint teammates.
They said: “A lad who had nothing but a heart of gold and never knew the difference between BBQ sauce and brown sauce.
“Michael always had a cheeky smile on his face and was always someone that cared so much for those around him.
“We haven’t lost a player, we have all lost a real friend who we love dearly. Forever our skipper and always with us. Rest Easy, Skip.”
The Margate under 23s game against Staplehurst Monarchs will go ahead tonight and be dedicated to Michael’s memory.
It will be free for all supporters.
Baypoint will hold a minute silence before all club games this weekend.
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