Tributes have been paid to a much-loved dad, football coach and sports enthusiast following his sudden death just days after Christmas.

Michael Craig Erik Ball, aged 31, passed away unexpectedly in the early hours of December 28, leaving his family, friends and the wider community heartbroken.

Born in Bury, raised in Radcliffe and later settling in Farnworth, Michael built what his family describe as a ‘happy and fulfilled life’ with his fiancée Amy and their three sons – Clayton-James, 12, Bentley, nine, and Chester, four.

‘He was due to get married this year’

The couple had been together for 14 years and were due to marry in October this year.

His sister Kiri Ball paid a heartfelt tribute, describing Michael as “a loud, fun-loving family man who would do absolutely anything for the people he loved.”

She said: “Michael lived for his family. He worked multiple jobs to provide for Amy and the boys and everything he did was for them.

“He was confident, fearless, and never cared what people thought, he just jumped in feet first and lived life to the fullest.”

Michael was deeply involved in local sport and coached women’s and children’s football at Tiki Taka Football Academy in Bolton.

Football was a lifelong passion, and he was a devoted supporter of Bury FC, attending matches whenever he could with friends, Amy and his sons.

Sport played a central role in Michael’s life, and this was something he passed on to his children.

‘Everything he did was for Amy and the boys’

A proud father of three, Michael Ball was known for his big personality, strong work ethic, and love of sport (Image: Kiri Ball)

His eldest son Clayton-James shared his love of cricket, and Michael was a familiar and enthusiastic presence at matches.

Kiri said: “You would always find Michael on the side-lines cheering Clayton-James and the team on.

“He always had the loudest cheer, everyone knew when Mike was there.”

Following his death, Farnworth Cricket Club has also paid tribute to Mike, recognising his unwavering support for his son and the club community.

In a post on Facebook Farnworth Cricket Club said: “The most heart-breaking news about a former member, player and parent involved at FCC for a number of years.

“Such a lovely genuine bloke, invested in his kids cricket, football and all sport in general.”

Alongside football and cricket, Michael had a huge passion for wrestling.

A lifelong WWE fan, he regularly attended amateur wrestling shows to support a close friend, offering encouragement that family say meant more than he ever realised.

“That was just Michael,” Kiri added. “He supported everyone’s dreams and was always their biggest cheerleader.”

Michael later began wrestling training himself, determined to follow his own lifelong dream, something he threw himself into with characteristic enthusiasm.

His middle son Bentley shared this passion and recently began training at Top Rope Wrestling in Farnworth, with Michael proudly supporting him every step of the way.

Family memories of Michael are filled with laughter, at Christmas gatherings, he was known for taking over the dance floor during games of Just Dance, competing with his nieces and nephew and keeping everyone entertained.

“He brought laughter everywhere he went,” Kiri said.

“He was daft, loud-mouthed, and had a ‘no fear’ attitude that worried us sometimes, but that positivity and confidence is what everyone loved about him.”

Michael also shared a close bond with his soon-to-be brother-in-law, whom he taught to ride a motorbike, a relationship Kiri described as “unbreakable.”

‘Everyone at the cricket club is deeply saddened’

In a statement Farnworth Cricket Club said: “Everyone at Farnworth Cricket Club is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Mike, a valued member of our club and a dedicated parent to one of our previous junior players.

“Mike was a true family man whose enthusiasm and support on the sidelines brought so much positivity to our junior teams.

“He will be greatly missed by players, coaches, parents, and everyone connected with the club and Mike. Our thoughts are with Amy, his three boys, his parents and the wider family at this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace, Mike.”

‘Now we are asking the community to come together for him’

A GoFundMe page (https://www.gofundme.com/f/hne8x-in-loving-memory-of-mike?) has been launched to help give Michael “the send-off he deserves” and to support his family during what they describe as an impossibly difficult time.

The fundraiser explains that Michael and Amy had already poured their savings into planning their wedding, and the loss came just days after Christmas, close to Michael’s son’s birthday and Michael’s own birthday on January 15.

Funds raised will go towards funeral and memorial costs, supporting Amy and the boys with day-to-day living expenses, and easing the financial burden on Michael’s parents as they grieve.

The page reads: “Mike was a son, a father, a fiancé, an uncle, and the best little brother anyone could ask for. His death was sudden, unexpected, and has left a hole in our lives that will never be filled.”

The family added: “Mike was a ‘Bury man’ through and through, a worker and a protector. He would have done anything for his mates and his family.

“Now, we are asking his community to come together for him.”