Marvin Brown has passed away at the age of 42 after a battle with cancer, the City of Bristol has announced. Brown survived colon cancer in 2022, but was receiving end-of-life care due to bile duct cancer, an aggressive form of bile duct cancer.
Following news of his death, Bristol City paid tribute to the former footballer who represented the club from 1999 to 2004, saying: “Bristol City is saddened to hear of the passing of Marvin Brown, aged 42. Marvin joined the Bristol City Academy at the age of eight and became the club’s youngest player in September 1999, aged just 16 years and 71 days.”
“During his time at the club, Marvin represented England Under-16s and Under-17s before moving to Forest Green Rovers in 2004. A proud Bristolian, Marvin founded Total Pro Soccer, a youth development center in the Bristol area, worked at Bristol City in a variety of roles alongside his playing days as an academy coach, and played a key role in the development of a number of academy graduates.”
“Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends. Marvin has previously overcome many other health challenges, including a bout with colon cancer in 2022, and has therefore been unable to secure life insurance and a fundraiser. A fundraiser has already been set up for his wife Alexis and their two young daughters, with donations already reaching over £63,000.
“To raise even more funds, a charity match is also planned at Bath City’s home ground Twerton Park on November 9th (2pm). Mervyn Brown Eleven will take on Bristol City Eleven. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day and are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for children.”
Brown began his career with Bristol City in 1999, and after loan spells at Torquay United and Cheltenham Town, he secured a permanent move to Forest Green Rovers in 2004. He joined Tamworth in the same year and moved to Yeovil Town in 2005.
He then spent two years with Weston-super-Mare, scoring 44 goals in 103 games and securing a move to Salisbury City in 2007. The following year, Brown returned to Weston-super-Mare and went on to have a productive career, also representing Truro City and Chippenham Town.
Following his death, Yeovil Town and Weston-super-Mare also paid tribute to Brown on social media.
Learn more about Brown’s fundraising efforts here.
