Athlete of the Week
Unsung Heroes of the Game
Alphonso Dixon
Every sport has heroes and in the sportof football one such person is 60-year-old Alphonso Dixon.
As far back as anybody can remember, Alphonso Dixon has been assistingreferees officiate football games. And to show you just how muchhe loves the sport, Alphonso says he has not missed a local footballmatch in 30 years.
That alone should give people an idea of his dedication. He hasofficiated more games than any other assistant referee for thepast five seasons, according the Football Association.
Alphonso is nostalgic about the game, remembering times when hehad to use By-Rite paper bags instead of flags because the Associationdidn't have any. He can remember coming from fishing and runningto the football field to "run lines". He reminiscesabout past football greats -- the likes of Rene Barnes, WaldoParchment, Roy 'Hoota' Ebanks, Allan Moore, Junior Jennings, andNed Solomon who ruled the field at the Annex and what is now knownas the Smith Road Cricket Pitch, capturing football fans hearts.
Neville Pearson, vice-president of the Cayman Islands Societyof Referees, said, "He is someone that is so dedicated. Thereare many games in the league that wouldn't get played if he wasnot there to assist the referee.
"He is very passionate about the game and he loves everyminute of being an assistant referee," he added.