We were saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Des Vincent-Dustow. Des made a massive contribution to football. He coached for Capital Football’s Talent Programme, he coached Samuel Marsden’s first XI team to the college championship, his 13th Grade JPL team won the Plate competition, and in 2010 he established and coached the girl’s development squad “NOKouts” for talented female footballers in the western area of Wellington to further develop their skills. The NOKouts compete in the annual Taupo tournament and are currently fundraising to go to the Kanga Cup in July 2013. The Kanga Cup is the largest International Youth Football Tournament in the Southern Hemisphere and held annually each July in Canberra, Australia. In a touching gesture, many of the NOKout girls have changed their Facebook profile pictures in tribute to Des.

Des was born with Cystic Fibrosis. But while this eventually stopped him from playing football as a young adult, it didn’t stop him from enjoying life and the sport he loves. 

In addition to all the hours spent coaching, Des also worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure better facilities, to support funding and development opportunities and run tournaments.

His contribution was recognised recently with two prestigious awards. In November 2011 Des was one of nine New Zealanders awarded the Asthma Foundation 2011 Supreme Achiever's Awards presented by Governor General Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae. At the 2012 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, Des was awarded the Wellington Local Heroes award.

Des was an inspirational coach and mentor for all those he came into contact with – on and off the field. His dedication and hard work was exemplary and many of those he coached have gone on, and will go on, to play at high levels.

Des’s funeral is Monday 1 October.

Our thoughts are with Des’s family and friends at this sad time.