The Salt Lake herald-Republican. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1909-1918, 1910-02-20

either cannot or will not see into what
dangerous places this eminently need
full game is being pushed? We know
that many schools Of prominence and
activity are abOlishing or modifying the
game. Why? Not because it is not a
fit game to play, but because American
manhood refuses to sit idly by and see
the flower Of their youth go down TO I'M
timely death, or be condemned to the
life of cripple.
Where can we find a substituteP It
might be answered that some colleges
have tried Rugby and found II want
ing-others ii satisfies, for they still
play it and speak in the highest terms
Of it-but IL has the same objections as
does the American modification. name
ly, too few are allowed the privilege of
play, and the danger to life and limb is
not much less.
Let US lay aside the feeling that we
might be accused Of copying some other
cOuntry's character of game, for do we
not hasten to adopt that which is good
in any other line Of progress-and why
not IN sport ?-and enter into this game
Of all games for all people. young. mid
dle-aged and old. the real English game
of Soccer? a game that Is being
played the world over in English
speaking lands and witnessed by count
less thousands all seasons of the year.
Whole Towns Play.
The rules do not require that only so
many may play, but it is true, never
theless. that it is usually played by a
stated number on each side. In Great
Britain, the population of whole towns
or counties take sides and play for
hours at time, for the good Of all
classes Of players. Sometimes two
towns as much as ten miles apart will
play against each other, and all living
in between these towns will enter into
the game as long as they desire, or as
long as the ball stays within striking
distance Of their towns, while many
PLAY the entire day, following the ball
in 5 zig-zag course through towns,
over hills and across streams and
meadows, each eager to kick it farther
toward his goal.
In this way British subjects are
reared with a thorough knowledge of
the game, with the undeveloped lad as
keen as is he of giant strength, each
getting what he most needs from tt
literally, physical and mental enlarge
ment and pOise, in a wholesome com
bination that makes sturdy and rugged
men Of good health and long life.
There are many who cry out that
does not require that intensified devel-
opment and skill brought out in the
American hybrid-that it Is not good
enough for the colleges and schools of
America. To such as these we most
respectfully declare that they neither
appreciate nor understand the game
There is no game that requires as much
endurance and general excellence as
does this game Of soccer" when played
by organized teams. For men cannot
be taken into the game and be taught
it I'm a few days; IL is a kind of sport in
which they must depend upon their own
skill and agility, not on a set of signals
and some one to help carry and defend
the ball, and IN carrying which be sur
rounded by a wall Of defense that Is
practically impregnable.
LIghtweIghts Can Play.
A quick eye, a feetness of foot, and a
leg that never misses a kick, no matter
whether man be a lightweight or
heavy, combined with good wind and
lots of nerve. gives a kind of game that
attracts the many, those who really and
truly need the physical exercise.
One thing in the game which gives IL
its greatest attraction, and makes II
appeal more strongly to all, is, that a
man never gets too old to indulge as he
sees fit, without endangering his life in
the undertaking. While the present
day college game is only for the few,
those who are chosen, and lasts but
few weeks in each year, really only
while man is in college-"soccer' may
be played in all seasons, in all sorts of
lands, and by all sorts of people.
Individual play, much more spectao-
ular than in our game, is DEVELOPED IN |
a great fneneSS and team work among
old, experienced players is of surprising
showing intensified de- |
velopment Of the essential features that
go to make the scientific game,
There is much agitation centering |
around this game of ours, much good
is being accomplished in the line of |
saner and better play So, let us lend /
our energies and our support toward |
the accomplishment Of a reform. one |
that improves the many, In which anv
and all may engage, a game that gives :
perfect development, wise entertain |
ment, intense pleasure to player and |
spectator alike, and a safety that is nm |