User:O'Brian 123

Ralph O'Brien Gordon was born February 23, 1986, in rural Dundee Pen, Hanover Parish, Jamaica. He is the youngest of 14 children of his mother, Daisy Gordon and his father, Nathaniel Gordon. Ralph grew up near Lucea, a small seaside town 35 miles from Montego Bay. He played and grew up within a tight knit community. As a child, he spent time swimming in local rivers and the Carribean Sea. Ralph is a Certified Life Guard, and is capable of teaching water sports skills including: speedboats, cayaks, manuevering the ocean reef, preservation of coral, spear and pole fishing, deep sea diving, scuba diving, snorkling, etc. Ralph attended Merlene-Ottey Comprehensive High School where he was recognized as a natural talent in several sports including track and field, cricket and football. Ralph developed excellent mentor and peer relationships that exist to this day. Between the ages 13-17, he played on Brissett FC in 1999-2002, Central Football Club in 2003, and Elgintown Football Club in 2004. Unfortunately, Ralph had to leave school in the 11th grade to take care of his ailing father. Nathaniel Gordon, who was the pillar of Ralph’s emotional, spiritual and psychological health suffered from cancer. At this trying time in his life, Ralph felt it was only right that he leave school and take a job to support his family. Ralph’s first job was at a five star hotel, where he was voted as a top employee by co-workers commendation. After his father’s death, Ralph did not return school because unlike in America or Europe, returning to school after entering the workforce is not commonly done in the nation of Jamaica. Instead, Ralph continued to work full time jobs while continuing to hone his football talent with community teams. In 2005, Ralph’s football efforts got attention in the local press, as a result, Ralph was recruited to the newly formed Naggohead Football Club which is a part of the South Central Confederation Super League, a second division football league in the nation of Jamaica. Ralph stayed in Kingston for several years working full time in the sport. He returned home in 2010 to Major League Division to play with the Lucea Football Club. At Lucea Football Club Ralph played as Starting Forward and Starting Striker, bringing the team to win Midseason Finals eight (8) Times. Overall, during his time on the team, Lucea Football Club won Major league six (6) times. They also won the Knockout twice. In conclusion, Ralph has earned a total of 25 titles over the course of his football career. He was honored as Most Valuable Player six (6) times, top Striker nine (9) times, and Best Forward eight (8) times. He stayed with Lucea Football Club until 2016. Ralph Gordon currently works six (6) days a week on the ocean as a Certified Lifeguard at the prestigious Round Hill Resort in Jamaica. He plays in local matches for both Sandy Bay Football Club, and Captain’s Water Sports Football Club. After work, he trains or plays in matches sixty to ninety (60-90) minutes per day to stay in top physical shape. Ralph is married and has two sons ages eight (8) and nine (9).