10-Team National League Proposed: Two From Ch. Ch.

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30215, 21 August 1963, Page 9

10-Team National League Proposed: Two From Ch. Ch.

(Neto Zealand Preu Association) WELLINGTON, August 20. Objectives behind the formation of a national soccer league are to improve playing standards and attract increased public support, it was stated in a report tabled at a meeting of the New Zealand Football Association council tonight.

Among the proposals in the. 20-page blueprint prepared by Mr G. L. Whyte, in association with Messrs C. R. WiJkins and E. A. Harris, were: The establishment of a 10-team league. Teams to be drawn from Auckland (2), Hamilton, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Hutt Valley, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch. Teams to consist of "name” players recruited from local club sides. Each team to be managed by a committee representing the clubs from which the players were drawn. Formation of a New Zealand Football League to administer the competition separately from the N.Z.FA. All fixtures to be on a “home-and-away” basis. All travelling to be restricted to ground transport up to 130 miles. Out-of-pocket allowances to be paid to players travelling away from home. According to the report, cost and transport difficulties suggested the elimination of teams from Dunedin, Gis-

i borne. New Plymouth and ■ Napier in the initial concept, i The blueprint envisages an . annual expenditure of , £14,250 against an estimated revenue of £14,700. The estimated expenses were: Travel and accommodation, £12,400; players' allowances, £850; administration, £lOOO. The estimated revenue was: gates, £8100; television fees, £600; affiliation fees, £1000; sponsors’ contribution, £5OOO. The gross gate figure is computed at £20.100 (including television fees), but allowances have been made for payments to associations. These include a proportion of television fees. Unanimous Support The council reaffirmed its unanimous support of the principle of a national league. The chairman, Mr J. Kershaw, described the draft blueprint as "a plan"—not "the plan.” It will be circulated to all associations, with a covering letter explaining that the limited association participation shown in Mr Whyte's report is not final. Any association will be able to enter a team provided it can show the capacity to do so. Associations will also be asked to complete a questionnaire on grounds and other t. facilities in their areas. - A sub-committee was apJ pointed to re-examine Mr 1 Whyte’s proposals, particularly those relating to budget items