SOCCER SEASON.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 75, 30 March 1939, Page 24

SOCCER SEASON.

OPENS ON APRIL 15. ENGLISH-SCOTTISH MATCH. CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY I*ATER. Though April 15 will mark the opening of the Soccer season with a match between English and Scottish-l>orn players at Blandford Park the championship competition will not commence until April 29. On April 22, owing to players being occupied with the final day of summer sports, a seven-a-side tourney will be the Saturday attraction, the winning team to be pre- [ sented with a set of medals. This was decided at last night's meeting of the Control Board of the Auckland Football Association, wihen it was stated that the selection of the teams for the oneninc day would bp left in the hands of the sole selector. Mr. A. P. Xeeslum. The debarring of unfinancial players of the previous year playing in the following season without meeting their previous obligations was the subject of a remit from the Xew Zealand Council. The Auckland delegate was instructed to support the remit, whole-iheartedly when it came up for consideration at the forthcoming annual meeting of the New Zealand Football Association. Unfinancial Members. Several members reported that a number of players who had not paid their fees last season were joining up with other codes in an endeavour to avoid their obligations. It was also stated that the same procedure was being adopted by a number of unfinancial members of other codes. The board regarded bhe matter seriously, and it was decided to communicate with the other sports bodies with a view to cominc: to an amicable agreement to stop the practice. Following the recommendation by the annual meeting that the Control Board should give a definite ruling relative to bhe position of Xavv players playing for local clubs, the following ruling was

agreed to: That any player • belonging to H.M.S. Philomel or H.M.S. Endeavour may, on production of a certificate signed by the commanding officer, be eligible to play in any of the clubs under the jurisdiction of the Auckland Football Association. Mid-week Matches. It was agreed to invite patients from the public hospital and Evelyn Firth Home to Blandford Park on April 29. The secretary reported that he had received inquiries from the Air Force and several business organisations and institutions relative to mid-week matches. It was agreed to call for entries at an early date. The New Zealand Council advised that a South African team would be coming to Australia, and proposals would be made for it to extend its tour to include New Zealand. Y.M.C.A. MEETING. Enthusiasm was shown at the annual meeting of the Y.M.C.A. Soccer Club, which was presided over by Mr. G. Malcolm. Promise of the entry of moie than one team in some of the coni]>etitions was shown by the attendance. It was reported by Mr. G. Adair, director of the Roys' Division, that the lads were keen, and increased entries were apparent. The election of officers resulted: Patron. Mr. S. Caughey; president, Mr. G. Malcolm; vice-presidents, Messrs. R. L. Stewart, N. Tucker; lion, secretary and treasurer, Mr. G. O. Sims; club captain. Mr. P. Toombs; management committee, officers and Messrs. G. Adair and J. Milliard. _ MT. ALBERT GRAMMAR OLD BOYS. Mr. W. R. H. Martin presided at the annual meeting of the above club. The annual report showed the last season to have been successful, while the financial position was satisfactory. Mr. D. Sumner addressed the meeting, wishing the club success on behalf of the Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys' Association. Officers elected:—Patron. Mr. F. \V. Gamble: vicepatron. Mr. W. Caradus; president. Mr. O. i\ Holdsworth; secretary and treasurer. Mr. O. E. Turley; senior selector, Mr. F. A. Bellamy; junior selectors. Messrs. W. R._ H. Martin and O. E. Tnrley ; club captain, Mr. E. . A. Saunders; committee. Me«srs. G. C. Holdsworth, 11. Hutchinson. R. Speed, B. Turley, L. Hedley.