FOOTBALL AND LOYALTY

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 950, 17 April 1930, Page 6

FOOTBALL AND LOYALTY

ALLEGED SOCCER BAN IN TRAINING COLLEGE Press Association DUNEDIX, Wednesday. A statement was made by Mr. M. G. Mclnnes at a meeting of the Otago Football Association this evening that it had been reported to him that the principal of the Dunedin Training College had virtually debarred students at the college playing the “Soccer” game by telling them that they must play either Rugby or hockey, or be deemed disloyal to their college. The consequence was that if the young men affected disobeyed the principal’s request they were afraid of subsequent victimisation when their progress came to be reported on. Mr. Mclnnes said it was bad enough for the Association game to have to contend in many primary and most secondary schools, with efforts that are made both openly and otherwise to keep boys from having the opportunity to play .the code without the association having to put up with such a brazen attempt as he mentioned to check young teachers from playing the game during their college career. It was the duty of the association to see that the players referred to were not in any way dictated to or victimised in the matter of what winter game they chose to play. The following motion was carried unanimously:—"(l) That the matter be reported to the Minister of Education direct, calling upon him to see that young teachers are set a better example of freedom in the matter of games in this free country than that set by the principal of the Dunedin raining College in attempting to block occer.’ (2) That a. copy be sent to the •cal Education Board. (3) That the ew Zealand Football Association be so informed and asked to support us personally before the Minister in Wellr.gton.”