In Memory Of and In Tribute To Martin Betton: 1958 - 2019

IN MEMORY OF AND TRIBUTE TO MARTIN BETTON: 1958 - 2019

On Sunday 22nd September, Martin Betton sadly passed away, having lost his ‘battle’ with cancer. He was with his family at home.

Martin was the Manager of Poynton Connect FC until mid way through last season when he had to step down due to his ill health. Many Team Managers and players in SMCCFL got to know Martin over the last four seasons since Connect FC joined SMCCFL in 2015. Those of us who got to know Martin through SMCCFL remember him as an enthusiastic and committed Manager of Connect FC, with a strong desire to see his team play football ‘The SMCCFL Way’….sporting, friendly and honest. Under Martin's leadership, Connect FC fully embraced the Aims and Mission of SMCCFL both on and off the football pitch. His wife Debs was Club Secretary and assisted Martin with the running of the football club. Martin was a committed Christian and member of Poynton Christian Fellowship church.

Prior to Connect joining SMCCFL in 2015, amongst other activities that Connect were doing with young men in the Poynton area, Martin managed a Connect team playing regular 6-a-side football in the Stockport Power League. Martin decided he wanted to set-up Connect FC and enter an 11-a-side team into SMCCFL.

For Martin there is no sadness, for we know that as a Christian he has gone to a better place, to be with his Lord and Father for eternity in heaven. But, it is his loved ones, family and friends that he has left behind that have profound sadness and grief and will miss him terribly. We remember Martin’s wife Deb and the rest of his family in our thoughts and prayers.

We thank Martin for his contribution to SMCCFL and pay tribute to what he achieved with Connect FC.

Michael Bull
SMCCFL Secretary

Every time we’d see each other he would have the biggest smile, then he’d give me the biggest hug. He always said, “you’re always smiling James!” He didn’t know that it was him that brought the smile out.

I remember the day when he came up to me in church and asked if I’d join him in starting an 11 aside football team. It was ALL about supporting young men and helping them to become better human beings. His compassion, empathy, unwavering love for others taught me so much. I loved supporting him in his mission to help young men fulfil their potential in life.

The most awesome thing about Martin was that he had no idea how amazing he was and how much he impacted the people around him. His joy was infectious, and his conversation could heal any bad mood or sadness. If my life can have half the impact his did, I’ll be happy.

Being involved in Connect FC alongside you Martin has been a massive honour. His legacy will live on and as a club, we will make sure we never ever forget you gaffer.

See you soon Martin. ❤️❤️❤️

I made this short film about Martin and Debs. It’s not much but I hope it inspires you.

https://vimeo.com/360237702

Go change the world of the people around you.

James Chapman
Connect FC Manager