CHINESE SOCCER TEAM.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 166, 15 July 1924, Page 7

CHINESE SOCCER TEAM.

» i ARRIVAL AT WELLINGTON. AT J, WELL AND EAGER. ;. FIRST MATCH ON THURSDAY. .1 (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. An enthusiastic welcome was extended ito members of the Chinese University Soccer team, which arrived here to-day by the Maheno from Sydney. Although they appear lighter than the average New Zealand player, the visitore axe of a fine stamp, and give promise of interesting displays. All were well on arrival, and they are looking forward with pleasure to their visit to this country. The manager, Mr. A. E. Dome, stated that the average age of the team is 23 years, and the average weight approximately 10 stone. The team was selected from all parts of China, and the men had never seen each other until they met on the boat. It was I hoped after a few games to attain a high degree of combination and give displays that would be worthy of the standard of Soccer in China. The team was light, but fast, and in China men must play the ball and not the man. They should not be at a disadvantage in New Zealand if the code was played ■with that interpretation. Members of the team play the first match of the tour at Masterton on Thursday. I A civic reception will be tendered the visitors by the Mayor of Wellington, and on Wednesday the team will leave for Masterton, playing Wairarapa on Thursday. Wellington will 'be played on Saturday, and the Chinese Consul will entertain the team to dinner in the evening. Four of the players in the team ! toured Australia last year. 1 Representatives of the New Zealand Football Association, the Wellington Association, the Young Men's Christian [Association, and the Chinese community ,met the party at the boat.