17 April 1912, The Sydney Morning Herald

BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

THE FRENCH PROPOSAL.

The proposal received from Bordeaux, France, for a tour of Australia by a French team-referred to in Friday's "Herald" is at least unique. The tour would, at the present juncture, probably prove more of a novelty than a financial success, though the influx of British emigrants is certain to make a considerable difference before very long in the number of association football adherents in this country As there is also a greater tendency evident on the part of the public school teachers to allow "soccer" into the schools, the prospects for the future popularity of the game may be regarded as being favourable. Before international matches can be arranged with any degree of success, however, it appears necessary that a system of regular interstate games should become firmly established. Of course if some benevolent millionaire by any chance guarantees all parties against loss, there could not be any objection to an international tour, here and now. It would in all probability leave its mark as an educational factor and an influence towards added interest. Otherwise, the Australian associations, no doubt, feel compelled to move slowly.

A glance at the balance-sheets of the Auckland and Wellington (N.Z.) Football Associations indicates earnest endeavours to secure home grounds. At Auckland, a sum of money has been set aside for a "ground account," and is augmented when possible, while at Wellington a deposit of £225 has been paid on six and a half acres on behalf of "The Association Football Grounds Company, Ltd." to be formed. The time is ripe for some scheme whereby a home ground might be secured for the New South Wales Football Association.

Mr R.T. Black, in whose hands the organising in connection with schools' football is placed, has been successful in starting the game in a number of suburban schools which have not hitherto taken it seriously. It is an excellent recreation for schoolboys and one that should be received with much favour by all concerned.

Entries, which may be forwarded through Mr S. Lynch Sports Club will close on April 30 for the South Coast Cup competition, in which all matches are played in the South Coast district. Sydney teams will be allowed £1. 10s per match as travelling expense.

ENTRIES TOR THE COMPETITIONS

The following entries hive been received for the first and second league competitions controlled by the New South Wales Football Association:

First League Balmain (2), Canterbury Glebe (2), Granville, The Navy (2), Newtown, Northern Suburbs, Police Club, Sydney, West Sydney, YMCA.

Second League Balmain (2), Botany, Burns' Anniversary Club, Callan Park, Glebe, The Navy, Northern Suburbs, Olympic Club, Scottish Rifles, Sydney(2) Ultimo Church, YMCA, Gladesville Hospital.

Practice matches will be played on Saturday next and the competitions will commence on May 4 for which date the Sydney Cricket Ground has been secured.

Although the attendance at Easton Park on the occasion of the Condon Benefit Match was very satisfactory, the amount collected was necessarily not so large as might have been obtained on a "gate-money" ground. The interest taken in the match, however, augurs well for future "gates."