Aviemore women's football coach dies unexpectedly in Iceland
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Tributes have been paid to an Aviemore man who has done so much to promote women's football at all levels in the Highlands.
Craig Dishington, manager and coach of Clachnacuddin Women's FC, died suddenly whilst on holiday in Iceland aged 48.
He had also done much to promote the game at roots level in the strath through setting up Strathspey Girls and organising mini football festivals for young girls.
He had in 2019 launched ambitious plans to establish a 'full female section' of Strathspey Girls FC teams from under nines through to seniors within three years.
A post on the Clachnacuddin Women's FC Facebook page paid tribute to Mr Dishington – widely known as Dishy – who was born in Edinburgh but raised in Livingston.
The post reads: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we have to share the devastating news that our manager has sadly passed away whilst on holiday in Iceland.
"Craig Dishington (Dishy) wasn't just our manager and coach, he was our friend and the team's No 1 supporter.
"Everyone associated with Clachnacuddin women FC are heartbroken that we won't have Dishy encouraging us from the sidelines and bringing his positivity to the team.
"We have held off posting anything out of respect for his family who send our sincere condolences and so much love.
"Dishy you will be sorely missed by us all and you will always be a huge part of our Clach family. Rest easy gaffer."
Tribute has also been paid by Murieston United Whites U16s, based in the south-east of Scotland, which Mr Dishington previously coached.
"In 2016 there was no pathway to the senior teams in the girls / women’s section at Murieston," they said.
"Dishy decided to create a girls section for all age groups. On the first training night he had 1 U9, 1 U11 and 1 U13. This grew rapidly.
"Today's successful girls section at Murieston would not have happened if it wasn’t for Dishy.
"Dishy was well-known for his bright shirts and for wearing shorts in all weathers.
"He was always on the dance floor at a night out, I’m sure there’s video evidence of this after the U13s South East League Cup win in 2017.
"On behalf of the U16s Whites, some of whom Dishy coached back in 2016 /17, we send our condolences to Dishy’s family and friends."
Murieston United Community Football Club are devastated to learn of the recent passing of former player, coach and committee member Craig Dishington.
A separate tribute from Murieston United Football Club reads: "Craig was a big part of the Murie family before he moved up to Aviemore. He played for us from youth level right to the over 35s and also served on the committee.
"Craig was instrumental in creating our player pathway for the girls, building it from scratch with a few players at U10s to the full pathway we have today. Craig's favourite Murieston moment was when his u13s girls team won the league.
"Craig will be remembered for his unique dress sense (Hawaiian shirts and shorts were the normal), his dedication to football and his calm and encouraging coaching style.
"Craig was unique and will always be remembered at Murie, once met, never forgotten.
"The world will be less colourful and happy without you."
