More Provincial Soccer Proposed

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30369, 19 February 1964, Page 10

More Provincial Soccer Proposed

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, February 18. “New look” provincial soccer is proposced in a plan to be circulated to local associations for consideration and discussion at next month’s annual meeting of the New Zealand Football Association.

The scheme, tabled by Mr J. K. Smith at tonight’s meeting of the N.Z.F.A. council, would allow minor associations the chance to compete for. the F.A. Trophy, at present played for by Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury. Otago is eligible, but withdrew from the competition last season. . Mr Smith’s plan calls for a revival of the' Brown Shield and Peter Dawson Cup competitions. The suggested basis is for North Island minor associations to be split into, two zones, the winning side from each zone to play off for'the Brown Shield. ■

A similar competition for the Peter Dawson Cup would be instituted in the South Island.. Winners of these trophies would . qualify for an enlarged F. A. Trophy competition. Costs for the enlarged series are estimated at £5500 a season and estimated revenue—including grants oi £lOOO each from two commercial sponsors and the N.Z.F. A—is £5OOO. Gates are estimated by Mr Smith at £ 1465 and television fees at £6OO.

Some council members queried the scheme on the basis of cost, while others felt it could conflict with national league proposals, but a motion to' seek the views of member associations was carried.