SOCCER

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 9 May 1925, Page 9

SOCCER

THE ENGLISH TEAM. In a recent message to the Sydney Referee, the well-known English sporting writer, I‘Tityrus,” gave some interesting details* regarding the English team to tour Australia. He stated:

“The project of sending a team of Association footballers from England to Australia is about to be fulnlled, but tile idea has been in the air for at least a quarter of a century. The Football Association, the powerful parental body which rules the game in England, has done much missionary worn on the European Continent, and has developed this pastime in South Africa by sending out teams in 1910 and 1920, although there is no doubt tnat The Corinthians were the pioneers on the veldt. Neither the Corinthians nor the Football Association have been able to ' stimulate the sport in Australia, which has always seemed so far away and which would necessarily demand much more time and expense than an excursion to South Africa. Even amateurs who happen to be gentlemen of leisure have fought shy of visiting Australia. Even so, there is another aspect of the matter which must not lie forgotten, for it is understood in this country that Australia has not been in a position to undertake serious financial responsibilities in connection with, such an undertaking until quite recently. ‘ ‘Howevet, when, the notion of such a tour was practically placed before the Association in London, rather over a year ago, the governing authority found all kinds of difficulties, arise—the chief of these being the unwillingness of clubs to release players, particularly players of the professional class, retained for the principal League competitions.

“The big clubs were not enamoured of the scheme, chiefly because their men had returned from South African trips too tired and listless to do themselves justice in English football during the early autumn. As the amateurs evinced not the least interest in the suggestion that they should help, the tour was postponed for 12 months, because the trouble was insurmountable. “Since last October the F.A. has been working hard to form a team worthy of the occasion, of their own prestige, and of the reputation of England as the. home of this form of football. for this offshoot of the Rugby code was not brought into being until 1863. For the last 35 years the Old Country has been mad on Soccer, that is the phrase, and it is for Australians to judge what they think of this pastime compared with the. three other forms of football which find favour in their land. The formation of thi© team has not been a light matter. Much secrecy is preserved. A number of clubs will supply players, but there seems to have been a lot of pleading to get the men. There is no doubt that many professionals, and a small minority of amateurs, have been anxious to make the trip to yoilr land, hut our football clubs-are very insular in their oninions and views. Perhaps thev have to be, as League football is a deadly proposition, and failure entails not only loss of money but relegation of the club to a competition of inferior grade. Some clubs, especially those in London, have been quite responsive. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur volunteered the assistance of several players from each camp. A few clubs have been very loyal and cooperative, hut there are not too many. Moreover, the F.A. desire not only skilful, sporting and clean players, but men who will he a credit to themselves and the game, and eager to conform to the- slightest wish of the joint honorary managers. Mr John Lewis, of Blackburn, and Mr Mark C. Frowde, of Wevmoutli. ”