A conversation with CIFA President, Alfredo Whittaker

By:  Flynn Bush

Anyone who is even the least bit interested in sports knows that FIFA, the world governing body for football, is one of the most powerful and influential organizations in the world.  By extension, the local associations in each of the member countries hold a lot of clout as well.  With that said, it should be obvious that the leader of these associations carries a great responsibility.  Hence, it takes a determined, capable person to hold the President title.  In the Cayman Islands, the Football Association has such a person in place.

Alfredo Whittaker was first elected to the Presidency in November 2018.  His administration came into power at a time when the association was still reeling from a major setback, although it was not directly afterward.  A calming influence was one of the most needed attributes.  Mr. Whittaker fit the bill.

At this point, I believe that a full introduction is in order.  Mr. Alfredo Whittaker has been involved in the sport of football all his life.  He is a trained Physical Education Teacher and Coach, but he also has lots of playing experience.  In fact, he is a former Cayman Islands National Team goalkeeper.  His personal philosophy is, “To whom much is given, much is expected,” and he holds that close to his heart. 

“I have been so fortunate to be blessed over the years through football,” Mr. Whittaker said.   “It is only fitting that I give back.”  When asked how this philosophy related to his position as CIFA President, he replied, “I believe every boy and girl in Cayman should get all the necessary tools and opportunities to benefit from the beautiful game which has given so much to me and so many other people around the world. Whether it’s better character, educational opportunities or opportunities to earn a career from playing the game. Therefore, each day I strive to create more and more opportunities.” 

To fulfill that ambition takes careful planning and execution of those plans.  It also takes implementing a multitude of small incremental steps.  Some notable initiatives put into place since the beginning of this administration have been the provision of uniforms and balls for the teams in the league; the paying of expenses for teams traveling to the Brac for games (to ensure that Cayman Brac teams have true home games); the addition of more leagues, both youth and adult; the addition of a true financial staff and independent auditing services; the addition of lighting at the CIFA field; and the creation of national teams at every age division.  These are the things Mr. Whittaker says he is most proud of from his time in office as they are, in his own words, “The development of our young people in Cayman.”

Alfredo’s future goals for his tenure include “The building of two more full size football fields with proper lighting and good seating capacity” and in the long-term, “To build CIFA mini stadium 1500 seating capacity, and to finalize the Center of Excellence.” He said, “This will be my dream come true.”

When asked what he would most like the public to know about the association Mr. Whittaker was quick to reply.  “CIFA has gotten excellent reviews from both FIFA and CONCACAF under my administration for its overall management of football including its impeccable financial governance, implementation of programs, participation in competitions and input at regional and international gatherings.”

Although no one knows the future, in the world of Cayman football it appears bright.  CIFA’s current administration has accomplished much and improved on plenty.  Mr. Alfredo Whittaker is not content to rest upon his laurels, however.  He admits there is much still to do, and he looks forward to accomplishing more goals; all for the benefit of the people of the Cayman Islands, especially our Caymanian children and youth.