In Memory Of and in Tribute To Colin Smith: 1968 - 2020

On Thursday 12th March, Col Smith sadly passed away, having lost his long ‘battle’ with cancer. He was at East Cheshire hospice, his family were with him.

Col was the Player/Manager of the Macclesfield Parish St Peter’s team for many years. In total Col played and managed for Macclesfield Parish FC in SMCCFL for 13 years, having joined the Club in 2007, and many Team Managers and players in SMCCFL got to know Col well over that time. However, most were probably unaware that Col had been battling with cancer for 10 years, because for most of that time he continued to play football and manage the St Peter’s team without most people in SMCCFL knowing what he was going through.

Colin’s strong Christian faith, how he faced his 'battle' with cancer over such a long time, his enthusiasm for SMCCFL football and his positive attitude despite such difficult circumstances are an incredible inspiration. Col was an enthusiastic and committed player and manager for the St Peter’s team, with a strong desire to see his team play football ‘The SMCCFL Way’….sporting, friendly and honest…..he fully embraced the Aims and Mission of SMCCFL both on and off the football pitch. Col was a committed Christian and member of Bollington Life Church. He was originally from Plymouth and was a supporter of Plymouth Argyle FC.

Since Col passed away last Thursday, many words of tribute have been posted on various social media, from those who played football with and against him over the years. These include: ”a truly wonderful and inspirational man”, “never give up positive attitude”, “never had a bad word to say”, “saw and brought out the best in those around him”, “a great man of faith”, “always had time for anybody".

For Col 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….Col has been “raised to glory”. But, it is his loved ones, family and friends that he has left behind that have deep sadness, are grieving and will miss him terribly. We remember Col’s family in our thoughts and prayers.

We thank Col for his contribution to SMCCFL and pay tribute to what he achieved with Macclesfield Parish FC.

Michael Bull
SMCCFL Secretary

Col Smith 18/2/68 - 12/3/20 RIP

Col moved to Macclesfield from Derby in 2007, with son Josh and wife Debs. He went to work at Macdonald’s, and there he met David Slater, a player for Macclesfield Parish F.C. Col was always a great talker, and his 2 favourite topics were his Christian faith and football. David and Col spent many long shifts flipping burgers and talking about their respective clubs – Plymouth Argyle and Stockport County – and Col’s experience of Christian football in Derby.

Before long Col joined Macc Parish, and impressed straight away with his energy, enthusiasm, commitment, and occasional flashes of skill. Despite being on the small side, he never missed a header or pulled out of a tackle. Son Josh became our mascot and number one fan, never missing a home game despite being confined to a wheelchair. Col knew his football, and soon became our assistant manager, giving many a stirring half-time talk; and he never missed the opportunity to share his faith with his team-mates, who always listened with great respect. Whenever we were a few players short Col would know where to find some replacements, often from his shift at Macdonald’s, and many of those he introduced to the club are still playing at Macc Parish, St.Peter’s and other clubs in SMCCFL.

He recruited players so successfully that we decided about 5 years ago that we should try to run a second team, St.Peter’s, who soon became our first team as Col inspired them to become a very accomplished side, winning the Charity Cup. He was not able to achieve his ambition of getting St.Peter’s into the first division, but his memory and spirit live on in all those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Dave Mayers
Manager and Secretary, Macclesfield Parish FC

I first met Colin when I worked for McDonald’s during the summer of 2007. It was during the long shifts working together that we would talk about football all day (literally all day), mostly Stockport County and Plymouth Argyle. Colin mentioned to me that he used to play in a Christian football league when he lived in Derby, before Macclesfield. So I invited him to continue his love for both the beautiful game and spreading faith in the community. I never realised that he would go on to play well into his forties and form such a dynamic partnership with myself in the centre of the field. I will always miss the late tackles towards the back end of his playing days, only Colin could get away with some of those! His energy and stamina on the field, even after operations on his lungs, was quite simply remarkable and an inspiration. On a personal note he helped me to become a better person and we spent many days in the summer of 2007 / 2008 helping those less fortunate in many ways, like transforming their gardens voluntarily including materials for no return except a few chocolate biscuits. He will be sorely missed by everyone who was blessed to have met him, I am proud to have had the honour of knowing him.

David Slater
Former Captain, Macclesfield Parish FC