SOCCER.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 27 March 1926, Page 12

SOCCER.

The season “bids fair” for soccer in South Taranaki, and if members of clubs will train and get into form early, the season should be one of the best they have had. In Wellington it is stated that pros pects for the season 1926 in Soccer circles are of the brightest, and-at the annual general meeting, which was exceptionally well attended, enthusiasm was the keynote of the whole proceedings. - • ~ Concluding the annual report, the Brooklyn Club committee (Wellington) urged the members to make the coming season a record one and to concentrate on training in an unselfish and wholehearted manner. Some idea of- the hold which soccer is getting in Nqw South Wales may be gained from giving the State Association’s annual report a look over Cwjites • a Bulletin correspondent). There are 450 teams in New South Wales, not including the many schools which play .it as their official code —there are 140 of these in the metropolitan area alone. Among the grown-ups, Sydney area supports 251 teams, while Newcastle and Maitland carry 122. The N.D.. Association, -indeed, is the wealthiest in the State: it recently bought a ground for close on £4OOO. The report lays stress on the Rugby League’s monopoly of, Sydney Cricket Ground, and its policy of arranging/“big” fixtures there to clash with the soccer games against England last season. The soccer people maintain that all codes should be given an equal right to play their big games on this ground, and the matter is likely to be dragged into politics if the League refuses to budge.

CUMING EVENTS. The golden wonder of autumn Will soon disappear; The still grace of winter. Is. fast drawing near; Soon cricket and lowing And the good game of bowls, Make way for Rugger and Soccer, With the scoring of goals. These are the games That stand out- supreme For teaching the boys To play straight and clean. Let team work prevail No matter what ball — “United we stand, Separated we fall.” Then good luck to all sports In the season to he; Be as kind as ye can To the brave referee. —“A. U.