Airdrie Community Club held a minute's applause before every one of their age group's games on Saturday in memory of former player Aidan McCabe, who died suddenly last week at the age of 17.
Aidan, from Cumbernauld, played for Airdrie FC's 2009 squad before moving on to Cumbernauld Colts and Rossvale FC. Photographs showed youngsters, coaches and referees gathering around the centre circle for the tribute.
Club tribute and family reaction
A statement on Airdrie Community Club's social media read: "Today, all matches played By Airdrie Community Club commenced the game with a minutes applause in memory of a former player Aidan McCabe. He previously played with our 2009 team and was a wonderful young man. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers got to his family and friends at this time."
Aidan's mum said she was "touched" by the gesture, writing: "That was so touching for the teams to do this, my sincere thanks. He was always always football mad from a tot. Give your kids an extra kiss and cuddle."
Further tributes across the football community
A minute's silence also took place at Harestane AFC 2009's match against Stirling Albion and Third Lanark U19s versus Giffnock SC U19s on Saturday. Dullatur Golf Club, where Aidan was a member, announced that they will be placing their club flag at half mast in his memory.
An Airdrie FC spokesperson said: "We were deeply saddened to receive the news that Aidan McCabe, a former player with Airdrie Community Club's 2009 group, has passed away. Our thoughts are very much with Aidan's family and friends at this devastating time."
A Rossvale FC spokesperson added: "We were saddened to hear that former player Aidan McCabe, passed away a couple of days ago. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends."
Family's gratitude and grief
Aidan's parents spoke of the young Celtic fan's love for football as they thanked his former clubs. His mum added: "Thanks Airdrie FC for remembering my beautiful boy. He played many a game at the stadium over the years. There's no words to describe the shock and grief. Football was his life, he was a 6 feet 7 inches centre back and was the fittest boy ever. It is just so unfair. Football was his life. I appreciate everyone’s lovely words for my gorgeous boy."
His dad Graeme said: "Our hearts are broken and we miss our boy so much. We are all absolutely heartbroken but this wonderful gesture gives me heart in how much my boy was loved throughout the game."
