182-Record Entry In Junior Soccer

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31657, 18 April 1968, Page 11

182-Record Entry In Junior Soccer

A record number of 182 teams—2o more than last season—will be playing in the junior grades of the Canterbury soccer competitions, when the first round begins on Saturday.

These figures were reported yesterday by the secretary of the Canterbury Football Association’s junior management committee (Mr P. Whelan). “In fact, the total figure will rise to more than 190 for the second round of the competitions," said Mr Whelan. "Several clubs have had late enrolments and these extra teams will be added to the competitions at a later date.” This year’s increase in the number of teams playing in the junior grades has kept pace with past years. Since 1962, junior soccer has annually increased by about 20 teams. Schools’ Competition The total does not include school teams, which come under the control of the schools' associations. The president of the secondary schools’ association, Mr D. S. Walker, yesterday reported that his association now controls about 100 Wednesday teams and a rapidlyincreasing number of Saturday teams. On Saturday, for the first

time, the secondary schools I will be starting their own i senior competition. In the past, school first elevens have 1 been included in the C.F.A. I open competitions. For the first year the ' schools’ competition has been * (divided into two divisions. ' 'The top section includes the 1 (first elevens of Christchurch ■ (Boys’ High School, Burnside (High School, Mairehau High j School, Cashmere H.S., Shirl ley Boys’ High Schoo) and Linwood High School, while . -the second division will com-! I prise the second elevens of | .Cashmere, Linwood, Christ ! church and Shirley, and the I first teams of Papanui High |1 -School, Hagley High School, ISt Andrew’s College and 'Xavier College. Xavier this season will be. playing competitive soccer for; the first time in many years ! | | Six Finalists.—The Manwatu sportsman of the year ' award j (will be anounced on April 24 ' The six finalists are V. Pollard :‘cricket). B. w Yuile (cricket). M Vertongen (cycling). T John ston (squash rackets). S. C. Strahan (Rugby), and Mrs J. Whitehead (golf).