Tributes paid to Cumbria ARL stalwart Alf Sim

The former Cumbria County ARL chairman, of Whitehaven, died earlier this week.

The tributes were led by long-time friend and Cumberland ARL chairman Roger Blair.

"We've all lost a good friend," said Mr Blair. "He was a true character of the game and you don't get many now.

"He has been there and done it all in rugby league. He took up refereeing at an early age and was chairman of the Cumberland Referees Society for a time.

"He was also chairman of West Cumbria Youth League and Cumbria county chairman for a lot of years.

"Alfie was well known throughout Yorkshire and Lancashire as well as Cumbria, he was really passionate about the county."

After turning out for Kells and Hensingham at hooker in the 60s, he went on to referee for 15 years, joining the Cumberland League's management committee in 1982.

Mr Sim was also heavily involved with the Cumbria Academy of Sport at Hensingham and influential in its development into one of the North West’s centres for sporting excellence.

But his biggest joy had to be his late wife Yvonne, two children Louise and Martin and grandson Kieran.

Mr Blair added: "He got involved right from the start with the stadium and helped make it into a great facility for all kinds of sports.

"He often virtually lived there, along with others, they were that keen to see it succeed.

"And the stadium is their legacy. Alfie put his heart and soul into the game for such a long time.

"But he was also a keen family man and he worshipped his grandson. He will be sorely missed."

Mr Sim's work within the county system gave him a lot of joy and especially on the occasions Cumbria won the County Championship, beating the big guns of Yorkshire and Lancashire.

"He was a proud Cumbrian," said Mr Blair. "Nothing made him feel better than when Cumbria won the county championship.

"He would stick his chest out and be so proud to defeat the might of Yorkshire and Lancashire.

"He was well respected and well liked. People like Alfie just can't be replaced."

Mr Sim was also awarded the prestigious Silver Boot by BARLA for his outstanding service to the amateur game back in 2001.

And he was a caring man who earned thanks from the Australian Schoolboys after he looked after one of their players Matt McKee who broke his neck in 1991.

"He was a really caring character and that showed especially in what he did for the young lad who broke his neck.

"He visited him in hospital every day for about eight weeks and it was really appreciated by the Australian Schoolboys and his parents.

"On their next tour the Schoolboys presented him with a jersey to recognise his support."

Both Mr Sim and the late Jackie Reid were also awarded Honoured International Friends status, given to people from other international organisations who have provide great support and assistance to the Australian Schoolboys whilst on tour in overseas destinations.

Tributes came flowing in from clubs across the county and from various sports, following the news of Mr Sim's death.

Martin Brough posted on Facebook: "The West Cumbria Youth League are saddened to learn of the passing of Alfie Sim, we would like to send ours sincere condolences to his family and friends at this sad time, all our thoughts are with you. R.I.P Alfie."

Kells ARLFC also said: "Very sad news that Cumberland Amateur Rugby League (CARLA) stalwart Alfie Sim has passed away. Condolences to his family and all that knew him. Another great man gone. RIP marra from us all at Kells ARLFC."

Former Town coach Gary Charlton tweeted: "Sad day with the passing away of Alfie Sim last night a true gentleman and friend.Will miss u Marra."

And Egremont Sunday Football League side FC Labour added: "Very sad to hear the news that Alfie Sim has passed away. Well miss the banter with him on match day mornings at the Stadium. RIP Alf."

Workington Town also posted: "Everyone here would like to pass on our condolences to the friends and family of Alfie Sim. A rugby league man who'll be greatly missed."