Ahir Dixon grateful for opportunity in European football

Former Reggae Boyz under-17 captain Ahir Dixon said he has been settling in well in Europe, having made the move to Serbian SuperLiga club FK Novi Pazar.

Dixon made the move to Serbia earlier this month and debuted for the FK Novi Pazar U19 squad in a 2-1 win over FK Partizan Belgrade U19s.

The defender said he has since enjoyed his time with his new club and is looking forward to gaining international experience while in Serbia.

“While I am in Serbia, I look forward to discovering what makes football in Europe different. I have settled in well with the group, and I’d say this is mainly because I am a good player, making me a good addition to the team,” he said.

Dixon said the move is the next step in his career towards professional football. He gave thanks to his family for their continued support.

The 18-year-old defender was also grateful to FK Novi Pazar, who, he said, has handed him the opportunity to become a professional footballer.

“First, I give God thanks for bringing me to where I am today. I would say He has done nothing, but everything; and everything, but nothing,” he said. “My parents and siblings have been supportive from day one, and for that I’m grateful.

“I’m grateful to have been given the chance. Being able to take the next step of my career in Europe is an exciting feeling,” he added.

Caribbean gems

Dennis Chin, president of the Global Soccer Division at Young Money APAA Sports, congratulated Dixon on his move to the European scene.

Young Money APAA Sports were the engine behind the move for Dixon and has since promised even more opportunities for Caribbean players in the future.

“Ahir is another example that if given the right exposure and pathways, players in the Caribbean can make steps into bigger markets at an early age,” Chin said. “Ahir is only the first, and we have a few others that will make similar steps in their young careers.”

Chin explained that it is important for players in Jamaica to understand that there is a route to the top level of football available to them.

He said his work with Young Money APAA Sports is dedicated to providing these opportunities to players from Jamaica and smaller markets who would have been overlooked in the past.

“At Young Money APAA Sports, we are committed to providing opportunities for talents in smaller markets, and as a Jamaican myself, I know that there are much more gems on the island that can also make this step.”