FOSTER THE JUNIORS

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 225, 23 September 1938, Page 15

FOSTER THE JUNIORS

; Example of Champion CJnbs !

yV T the Manukau Rugby League annual smoke concert recently Mr. W. F. Clarke, secretary of the Junior Control Board, uttered some words which all followers of football would do well to take to heart. He was responding to the toast of the Auckland Rugby League and he spoke of the connection of the junior player with the senior side of the club. No club could hope to succeed if it did not foster junior football, or, as some seem to be doing, even neglecting it. The Manukau committee would have to strive to build up its junior teams the basis of all true football success. The Richmond team which had won the Roope Rooster contained eight players who had graduated through its junior ranks, and their opponents, City, had seven. Marist Old Boys, club champions for 1938, had no less than ten players who had worked their way through the junior ranks.

is delegate for Canterbury. Mr. Redwood said he tou''! remember Mr. Davidson's enthusiasm a player and official when quite \ oung. He had a great knowledge of the game as a player, club official and administrator. Mr. Davidson, while a player, was a club official, later a junior management secretary and an Auckland Kugby League senior delegate before joining the council. Mr. Redwood said it was men like Mr. Davidson who did much good for the game, and the blazer carried with it the best wishes of members (applause).

Mr. Davidson, who represented New Zealand in 1019-20-21, <yiid the game had been a hobby and joy to him since ho was 1"> years of age, and he regretted finishing his playing career in 1928 through injuring a knee. However, Rugby League had brought him happy associations, and he was proud to belong to the national controlling body. His services were always available to assist the game.