ASSOCIATION.

Interest in Association football seems as keen as ever. All the old Clubs are in existence, while several new junior organisations have sprung up. In Exeter especially the dribbling code is making rapid progress. But several Clubs have experienced difficulty in obtaining suitable grounds. Exeter United are, I understand, without a pitch in consequence of the erection of the temporary building at St James's Park. Fixtures have been arranged, enthusiastic officials appointed, and everything pointed to a successful season. The Club, I anticipate, will not be allowed to drop out but matches will be played. A meeting of the members of the Club is to be held tonight to consider the situation. St Sidwell's the winners of the junior cup last season, and St David's have also had difficulty in regard to grounds. And as new Clubs spring up this lack of accommodation will, no doubt. be intensified in the future. To prevent this it would be a good idea if some of the organisations were to amalgamate and run first and second elevens. The game has not as yet gained much hold on the general public. This is only a question of time. And if amalgamations as suggested above could only be arranged, better teams would be placed on the fields, the game would grow-in popularity in the city, at any rate, at a much quicker rate, and the support which is needed in the way of "gate money" would soon be forthcoming.

Clubs should note the alteration in the penalty rule which has come into force this year. The alteration is an excellent one. In- stead of the penalty area being within 12 yards of the whole length of the goal line. it is now confined to a space of 18 yards in depth and 44 yards in width. The penalty kick, however, has to be taken from a spot 12 yards from the goal line. The goal area has also been altered. Instead of this be ing a half circle in front of the goal mouth, it is to be six yards in depth by 20 yards in width.

Published: Monday 15 September 1902
Newspaper: Exeter and Plymouth Gazette