ASSOCIATION

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2820, 11 July 1916, Page 9

ASSOCIATION

N.Z.F.A.'S ANNUAL REPORT. Tho annual report of tho New Zealand Football Association, which will be presented to delegates this evening, states: — "In placing before you the annual retort, special mention has to be made regarding tho effcct that the great war has had upon Association football, and indeed, on all forms of sport in New Zealand. All clubs and associations have suffered very severely owing to the hundreds of players who are reudering personal service in tho Army and tho Navy, and it has now been found practically impossible to cany on anything' in the way of football, except for players under 20 of age. The first result of this is that all the country associations outside the four big centres are practically non-existent. These associations have, in tho past, mainly consisted of senior players, with no backing up of juniors. Consequently they do not exist to-day. Tho four main centres — Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago—have similarly lost tho "greater part of their old players, but fortunately for the game these associations have become very strong amongst the boysschool boys and old boys—and it is to these that we must now look to in carrying on our game in . the future. E.*;-' ccediiigly good progress has been made with the game amongst the schools; but unfortunately we have still to contend ivitli a considerable amount of opposition in quarters whero is should not- exist.While senior football is in abeyance, every association has a splendid opportunity of promoting the game in all its branches amongst the juniors, and your secretary, who has visited the secretaries of the Auckland, Canterbury and Otago Associations, during the recess, is pleased to be able to report that the centres are leaving no efforts spared in this direction. That the game must suffer as a direct result of the war we cannot help, but, as far as wo can,, while sport is a secondary consideration, we should encourago the boys in every way. Your council wishes to place upon record its keen, appreciation of the hundreds of Association players who have joined the Forces and aro gallantly' upholding our national honour. The question of a Roll of Honour is not lost sight of, but it will be impossible to compile one until Uie war is over. Your association extends its deepest sympathies to the relatives of all players who have fallen in the Empire's cause. Owing to the war, no Brown' Shield matches are being played. It is easily understood thht associations are having a strenuous time with their finances, and in this respect it is to be regretted that the Auckland Football Association has had to give up its ground at Bayswater. Doubtless" other associations are hard pressed, with no revenue coming in from gate receipts. Tihe thanks of the association are due to the outgoing officers."