Aidan McCabe's former football team, Airdrie Community Club, held a minute's applause in his memory.

An emotional tribute has been held by the former club of a teenage footballer who tragically died last week.

Aidan McCabe, from Cumbernauld, passed away suddenly last week at the age of 17. The former Airdrie FC youth player spent time in their 2009 squad before moving on to join Cumbernauld Colts and Rossvale FC.

Paying a touching tribute, Airdrie Community Club held a minute's applause for their former player before every one of their age group's games on Saturday. Photographs showed youngsters, coaches and referees huddling around the centre circle and partaking in the heartfelt homage.

A moving statement to their 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 heartbroken mum was left "touched" by the gesture. She wrote: "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."

A minute's silence also took place at Harestane AFC 2009's match against Stirling Albion and Third Lanark U19’s 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.

This comes after tributes were paid to the talented centre back from across the footballing community.

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."

His parents spoke about the young Celtic fan's love for football as they thanked his former clubs. Aidan's 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."