Mr. F. G. D'Aeth presided at a highly-representative conference held under the auspices of the Liverpool Union of Boys' Clubs, at the Common Hall, last evening.
The aim was to discuss - (1) the shortage of football grounds for and boys and youths caused by the increase of allotments, and (2) alternative means of recreation, especially the formation of packs of harriers for boys aged fourteen to eighteen years.
From clergymen and others concerned in the welfare of the young came suggestions that, as compensation for the shortage of football grounds, private owners should be asked to lend available land; that school playgrounds might be thrown open on Saturday afternoons for handball matches; and that schools could be lent for barriers to change in, a parish hall having been already offered for such use.
Mr A. G. Nicholson (president of the Northern Cross-Country Association, the West Lancashire Cross-Country Association, and the Liverpool & District Cross-Country Union) and other experts contributed valuable hints on the regulation of cross-country and road runs for boys. The need for due restraint of speed and distance was impressed, pleasure runs and not races being commended.
The Chairmen announced that the Union of Boys' Clubs would conduct a league competition for football clubs on a modified scale in the coming season. He trusted all present would discuss with their respective committees and dubs the harriers and handball suggestions with the appeal to private landowners, so that at an adjourned conference a scheme of activities could be adopted.
Ends
Source - Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury - Tuesday, 24/07/1917
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