SOCCER NOTES.

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 171, 7 April 1923, Page 19

SOCCER NOTES.

(By

“Goalie.”)

PROSPECTS FOR THE SEASON Groat as was the advance njade in Soccer football last season, it is expected to bo eclipsed in the next, few months, for the effect of tlhe visit of the Australian team, . although not profitable financially, is expected to further tho game and give, those in charge of it more confidence in launching out more freely in their schemes for its benefit. Then the handsome silver cup, presented by the crew of H.M.S. Chatham, to bo competed for by the whole of New Zealand on somewhat similar terms to the great English challenge cup, of. which it is e. replica, should result in an improvement of the game generally, for competitions of the sort it is the desire of tho donors to promote are sure ,to help to popularise the game and give it a standing of immense benefit to the players. No fewer than five new associations—Buller, Hawke’s Bay, North Auckland, South Canterbury, and Wairarapa—affiliated with tho New Zealand Association last year, and brought up the total strength to sixteen associations, which will be further enhanced during tho coming season. Although only one game was played for the’ Brown Shield, there is a prospect of larger entries being made for the competition for this coveted trophy. A question which will take some skill and thought to unravel, but whiqh it is absolutely necessary to settle in a satisfactory manner, is the attitude taken up by those in charge of seoondary and some primary schools towards the introduction of the game into their institutions. It mainly arises from a want of knowledge of the finer pointe of Soccer, and the fact . that it is easier, in tho initial stage of the game, at anv rate, to instruct the pupils in Rugby, and. perhaps because of an innate prejudice against the introduction of anv other form of winter sport within, their precincts. Of all things prejudice dies the hardest, and steps will have to be taken to deal with this difficulty in a drastic manner. It is easier, however, to deal with primary schools, for they are under the direct control of the parents, a large number of whom are Soccer enthusiasts and desire their children to take on the game they have such a love for. The Skerrett Cup, offered for competition amongst secondary schools, has been given the cold shoulder, and it is worthy of consideration whether, in default of the game being taken up by the secondary schools, it should not be transferred to the primary schools. The Australian trip will eventuate in. June next, and Messrs. H. G. Mayer and H. Graves —an excellent choice — have been appointed managers. Mr. B. L. Salmon is sole selector. Next year visits from Canadian ano Autralian teams will be looked for, and as tho teams to oppose them will probably bo chosen from this season’s form, it is well that players should be reminded of that fact.

THE WELLINGTON SEASON The prospects for followers of Soccer in and around Wellington are exceedingly good, especially if satisfactory arrangements can •be made about grounds. Ever sinco the Saturday half-holiday applied to shops and factories, and all tho field games centred on one day in the week, this difficulty has faced those in control of football and hockey, and as the population has grown the trouble has been /considerably accentuated. Tho authorities of both Soccer and Rugby have dono their best towards supplying this want, and Association Park and Athletic Park are monuments, to the prescience of’’- tho Association and Rugby authorities. Tho City Council has accomplished a great deal in the same direction, but still the demand grows apace, and it will take a great deal of effort to make up the leeway. it is impossible to say how many teams will enter for tho Soccer competitions this season, but it is certain there will be an increase on last year, and there is no doubt the quality of the play is on. the improve. There has been quite a good influx of English and Scottish plavers. and some' of them possess, records showing that they are not te be despised.

There will be at least six senior A teams in the field—Watersiders, Thistle, Y.M.C.A., Welgasco,' Hospital. and Diamonds, and probably Island' Bay. For senior B, those mentioned are Karori, Wndestown, Y.M.C.A., Rwifts, and Petone. At present there is only one playable ground at Petone, the- other offered-Aove-r the stop-bank—is too rough for anything but horse-jumping, and an inspector the other day proved to the executive that it is an impossibility to do anything to it this season.

ROUND THE CLUBS Tho Watorsiders are determined to leave nothing undone to remain in the front rank, and they well deserve- to be there. Probably thev possess the most complete organisation amongst the association teams, and they do not centre it on then senior team,, but cultivate tho lower grades to some purpose. The Y.M.C.A. Club will only run one senior team this season, but it should bo a strong one-, for three Thistle plavers—Campbell, McArthur, and Trott have joined up with them but thev lack a good full-back, although Tarrant is mentioned in that connection. The gradee below senior wili till have Y.M.C.A. teams in. Tho W’elgasco seniors, who won the B senior championship last season, expect to have a strong team for their entry into senior A grade. Porirua Hospital senior team will be as strong as ever,. if expectations aro realised,'as they will have Prowick, of South Auckland, Gibb, a Vest Coaster, and Fraser and Gibson, Home players, to fill up vacancies. Thistle senior team does not look so strong as last season on paper, but one can never tel], for several additions to the ranks are unknown quantities- It is to be hoped- that tho idea of playing a fifth grade team will materialise. Diamond seniors were very much in-and-out last season, but Waller, Hearne, Hawkins, two McGees, A. Auld R. McLeod, Kinnear, and Crundwell are expected to give backbone this time. JOTTINGS Mr. C. E. Statham, Speaker of tho House of Representatives, is vicepresident of the Otago Football Association. Those who had the management of the Australian tour in New Zealand will bo surprised to learn that the Queensland Association reimbursed the players touring with the team in l New Zealand to the extent of £B6 9s. lid. A perusal of the expenses paid by the New Zealand Association would give a.nv amateur a shock.

Tho Governor-General of the Commonwealth has been elected patron of tho Australian Football Association. It will be remembered that when the Australian Soccer team toured Now Zealand, Mr. Storey and, tho Now Zealand Association agreed upon contain proposals in regard to the visit of an English team. These have not

been confirmed by the 0.F.A., that body having affirmed the pooling system. Percy Wells, who is now stationed in Wellington, is unattached to any; club. Ho plays in goal or inside-left. Mr. W. Skinner, lifo vice-president of the Hospital Club, was a passenger by tho Corinthic to the Old Country. He is well known as one of the finest players who ever represented Wellington'. He lost a leg at tho war. It is a pity Mr. W. Auld could not see his way, owing to demands on his time by his Department, to continue on the Wellington Management Comrfitlee, for he was a tower of strength, especially in regard to the weekly fixtures. It is many years since lie played for tho Rovers, and he represented Wellington on several occasions, being prominent for many years. Ho is a life president of the association, and has bcCn chairman of both the management committee and the Referees’ Association. It is probable that Wellington will send a team to Otago later in tho season. The Karori Club has definitely decided to enter teams for the following grades -.—Senior, Third A, Third B, Fourth, and Seventh. Membershin, is on the increase .with this club, noticeably in the junior grades. A point of interest in connection withtho Karori Club is the fact that most of their senior players have graduated from tho lower grades with the chib, the fifth grade, and one (J. Russell) Some of their senior players started in in the sixth grade. Twelve years ago one sixth grade team was entered —this year there will be at least six teams wearing the familiar “black and white.” H. Prince, Eton, Beveridge, Mason, MaointyrO. besides others, will again be taking their places in the field for Karori seniors. There will probably be some new blood introduced to fill the places vacant, through some of Past years players being absent from the city. , ' Jim Russell, of Karon, does not anticipate being able to play this year ns his knee still troubles Him. It is hoped, however, that his retirement will not be permanent. Tho Karori third classjteam, runnersup in the Charity Cup last year, will have practically the same personnel this year, and promise to giro a good account of themselves. The end of tho season should show them somewhere near tho top of the ladder.

GOAL KEEPING To be a really good goalkeeper (writes “Kick-Off”), one must be a great anticipator, able to act quickly and without hesitation. A goalkeepers’ first duty is to clear his goal quickly, and if hard pressed put the ball behind. In dealing with a high shot, it is always safest to tip it over the bar, because if the keeper attempts to reach it down, before he can recover his balance the on-coming forwards are likely to bustle him through. Whenever possible, of course, he should always get his body in front of the ball, but the body should not be rigid. It should “give” just the merest fraction to every shot, just as a fielder’s arms and hands “give” to a catch. This is particularly the case with a shot knee-high. Here tho best plan is to ‘crouch so as to catch the ball with both hands, the pit of the stomach being just behind tho arms as the shot is gathered. Some goalies go down on their knees for a shot of this kind, which is not always a safe policy, and not to be recommended' to a young player. The question of running out la an important one, and. one that every goalio has to face. If a forward breaks through with tflb ball at his> toe, then comes the critical test for the goalie. Very few forwards can control a ball when going at top speed, the hall often being a yard or so in front of tho forward. Thon is the goalie’s chance. Out he dashes, and at once, without any hesitation. Ho may not be able to get the ball, but he will perhaus put the forward off his shot. He also narrows the angle for him to shoot at. Always, however, bo prepared in case the forward lifts tho Wil over your head As tho goalie goes out to meet tho forward, the ‘'after naturally slows down, often gets ♦lustered, and also gives time to enable the full-backs to recover. The swerve of the ball is a thing that has to be watched for. Never use tho boot unless absolutely compelled.* to, and then always kick to the wings. .Remember, “safety first” should always bo your motto, and for this reason fistin,, tho ball should only be indulged in as a last resort. It is seldom newsnary, and is never as safe as catching the' ball. A goalie should practice long kicking, as thei full-backs generally need nil their energy. Sort ou- a player who is unmarked, and kick to him. Always hurry to kick off, as you will often gain a big advantage to y-oUf side, your opponents often being slow to take up their positions. Bo cool; always have a good understanding with vour backs; match the ball, and never let a forward catch you unawares. Don’t try any fancy stunts. Study the rules, and fi».l out just what you are allowed to do, and what not to do. Study the carrying rule especially. If you have the ball in your possession, be ready for anything happening. No player is allowed to charge you unless you have the ball. Centres are most dangerous, as if the ball is in tho a--r a forward will often deceive you with his head. Corner kicks are anxious times for a goalie; a ball coming across tne goalmouth '•an easily be sent across to the other wing by deflecting it with tho back of tho haiid. After saving one shot get into position quickly for a sharp return.