Blair Davidson is a familiar face on the football field.
The 75-year-old, who has been involved in Otago football for 66 years, spends every weekend during the season at the Caledonian Ground watching teams play.
In honour of his dedication and involvement, FootballSouth has introduced the Blair Davidson Challenge Shield for the men's Premier league this season.
''I was totally blown away by it,'' Davidson said.
''I couldn't believe it. It's a great idea. I was chuffed because I have never had anything like this before. I hope the shield will bring out the fight and competitiveness within the teams. Football has always been my passion. I love the game, the smell of mud and liniment, the changing room atmosphere and standing on the sideline - that is what keeps me going,'' he said.
Davidson started playing football when he was 9 years old.
''I used to play football and rugby. At a football practice I thought I could catch the ball so they put me in goal and I was there until I retired in 1973. We didn't have a TV, no mobile phones or computers in those days. We would go and kick a football around at the park and that was our life. I was totally committed as a goalie and I was passionate about playing that position,'' he said.
During his career, Davidson played 300 games for Dunedin Technical, played for Otago and managed the Mosgiel team from 1995 to 1997.
''Those were tremendous years. I played off and on for the Otago team for 13 years. I was a member of the South Island team who played against Australia, Costa Rica, England and America. I put my heart and soul into football. I had a fabulous time managing Mosgiel. We won the Otago-Southland competition and that's the last time that we won a competition,'' he said.
Davidson said there had been a number of changes in the sport, but one of the biggest was the increase in the number of children playing football.
''There are more children playing football now. It's a huge game for them,'' he said.
Even though he had been a patron of FootballSouth for 17 years, he still felt he was ''one of the boys''.
''It's the camaraderie. I still get invited to go into the changing rooms ... before the game. I always feel involved and part of the game.
''I enjoy watching players grow and develop their skills. Agility is a huge thing and it's the antic-ipation of the game that I love.
''I just love everything about the sport. I was grateful for being able to play for as long as I did.
''You become a mentor but you still feel like you are one of the boys,'' he said.
Mosgiel holds the Blair Davidson Challenge Shield at present.
- by Samantha McPherson
