SOCCER IN SCHOOLS

Hutt News, Volume 2, Issue 45, 17 April 1930, Page 9

SOCCER IN SCHOOLS

•A SPECIAL REPORT

With a view to fostering the gama-of

Association football in the schools, the council of the New Zealand Football Association submitted a questionnaire to affiliated associations seeking replies to the best way to proceed toward the desired end. The answers to the questions were considered! by a special committee set- up by -the council and its report is now available.^ ■ :

A return showed that the game is played in 52 out of 106 primary schools, and in 13 out of 17 secondary schools. In the major centres and one minor centre the game was regarded as Jiolding its own, taut greater efforts are required in the primary, schools within the jurisdiction of eertan of the minor associations if the code is to, be. established in/-them. Generally the position.respecting secondary schools is considered most discouraging. Drastic steps will, have to be taken by local associations, backed1 iip by the New Zealand Council' to have the game included-in the sports curriculum of all secondary schools. Lack of interested headmasters and teachers ,and lack of interest on the part of local associations 'andi clubs in 'districts where there are schools, is held to be largely* responsible for«the small number of schools playing" Soccer. RECOMMENDATIONS The committee recommended' the following suggestions to all affiliated associations with .a view to trying to encourage the game in every primary and secondary school in the Dominion: —By meeting the headmasters ffiid teachers of primary schools in conference; endeavour to. obtain from them, if possible, an assurance that if pupils . desire to play Association they will be allowed to form a club and play under the school name; get clubs in districts where schools are established to be responsible for the coaching and training of pupils;,the esj: tablishment of a special select committee to control junior and - school football, this _ committee to be under the jurisdiction of the local association; the special committee to meet frequently the staff of all schools in their^ district and iiiso the parents'- association ..or ' school ■committee; supply free footballs; playing of interprovincial and inter-island games; endeavour to introduce the game into the sports .programme" of, the training colleges..'..-.-"