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Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17721, 24 March 1923, Page 10

A serious reflection upon Association footballer is contained in the annual report of the Swifts Club, Wellington. The particular remarks referred to are brief, but pointed : —"T.t is regrettable that (luring the past few years there 'seems to have been steadily growing a spirit of semi-professionalism among higher grade clubs. In Wellington there obviously are large numbers of Soccer players available, but the clubs which for the moment happen to be at the head of the tables seem to attract most newcomers. This perhaps is only natural, but it is submitted "advisedly that the old idea of sportsmanship is missing. 'Pot-hunting' is rampant, and to attract new players is almost an impossibility unless certain advantages are guaranteed, and one of the most sougrit-after advantages is tne nonnecessity of paying subscriptions. It is contended that if a game is worth playing at all it is worth the expenditure of a sum of ' money .to provide tia.• insane, of enjoying, the. same-"