Former footballer Marvin Brown, who played for Bristol City among other clubs and represented England at age group level, has died at the age of just 42 with tributes pouring in
Marvin Brown, a former footballer who played for England at Under-16 and Under-17 level, has died aged just 42. Brown won his England youth caps while on the books of hometown club Bristol City, and the Championship club have paid tribute.
“Bristol City were saddened to hear of the passing of Marvin Brown aged 42,” a message from the club read. “Marvin joined the Bristol City Academy at the age of eight and went on to become the club’s youngest player, aged just 16 years and 71 days in September 1999.
“While at the club, Marvin featured for England Under-16s and Under-17s before moving on to Forest Green Rovers in 2004. A proud Bristolian, Marvin founded Total Pro Soccer, a development centre for young boys in the Bristol area and worked as an Academy coach at Bristol City alongside and beyond his playing career in various roles and played a crucial role in the development of numerous Academy graduates.
“Our sincere thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends. Due to having previously overcome many other health struggles, including a bout of colon cancer in 2022, Marvin was unable to secure life insurance and a fundraiser which has been set up for his wife Alexis and two young daughters already, reaching more than £63,000 in donations.”
The Robins have shared a link to the fundraiser for Brown’s family, and also confirmed a charity match will be held on November 9. The fixture, between a Marvin Brown XI and a Bristol City XI, will be held at Bath City’s Twerton Park ground.
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The football community has come together to pay tribute to Brown. “Unbelievably sad news,” one fan wrote. “Brilliant player and developed lots of local young talent as a coach . Fabulous person. Thoughts and prayers with his young family.”
“Incredibly sad news, thoughts with his family & friends,” wrote another. “Could we consider naming the young player of the year award after Marvin as a lasting tribute?”
Brown, who was born in Bristol, spent the majority of his playing career in the west and south-west of England. In addition to 19 league games for his hometown club, he racked up a century of appearances for Weston-super-Mare and also represented the likes of Forest Green and Truro.
“No family should have to face this kind of heartbreak while worrying about how they’ll keep a roof over their heads,” a message on the fundraising page for Brown’s wife and daughters reads. “Every single donation, big or small, will make a tangible difference.
“If you can’t donate, simply sharing this page helps us reach more people who can. Let’s show Alexis and her girls that they’re not alone. Let’s help lift some of the weight off their shoulders so they can focus on what truly matters, time together, love, and saying goodbye with peace instead of panic.”