Kevin Ball is a retired U.S. Navy captain. He participates in Dana Cup for the fourth time.

Sea Captain to Command

Even though Kevin Ball is a retired U.S. Navy captain, he still commands on the football fields at Dana Cup. The American soccer referee from Seattle is at Dana Cup for the fourth time – and he would gladly return next year.

'I participated as a referee for the first time in 2007, when my two boys, aged 14 and 15 at that time, took part in the tournament. Moreover, I have refereed since 2003, and I have already refereed more than 3000 games,' explains Kevin Ball, who is very involved with the American Special Olympics.

'Normally, I referee many games both in youth and in senior levels of football,' he adds.

'Dana Cup is a fantastic tournament, and I am happy to participate as long as the management of the tournament want me to. I learn a lot about soccer and experience, how the game is played differently in different parts of the world.'

'When I am not refereeing, I spend time with my British colleges. They take care of me as a "colonial",' smiles the American referee, who books the airline ticket many months before the first whistle is blown.