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"London Schools' Athletic Association.—This Association has once again completed
a most valuable year's work, and great credit is due to all concerned for the large
amount of time given to fostering athletics among the children.
Twenty-five district Associations, representing about 800 schools, are affiliated
to the main organisation, and each one of these districts has held preliminary
athletic meetings to select its representatives to compete in the London Finals.
The standard of performance is steadily increasing, and it is now a comparatively
common occurence to find new " records " established for the various events. The
London Schools' Athletic Association would themselves be the first to maintain
that their primary aim is not to break " records " but to interest as many children
as possible in athletics—at the same time, when consistently better performances
are put up, it does indicate that the general level of efficiency is mounting.
"London Schools' Amateur Boxing Association.—The London Schools' Amateur
Boxing Association is to be congratulated on the efforts it is making to foster good,
clean boxing. Boxing, though it has some disadvantages as a sport, e.g., its lack
of facilities for the cultivation of the team spirit, has great attractions for the older
boys, particularly in some districts, and helps to foster self-discipline in those who
practise it.
The work of the Association will surely be continually directed towards getting
the greatest number of boys to box—the production of champions is quite a secondary
consideration. Championship meetings undoubtedly find the best boys, create
interest, and cause many boys to take part. Several hundreds of boys boxed in
the various competitions, and 833 actually took part in the four divisional meetings.
"London Schools' Cricket Association.—The latest "all London" association to
be formed is the body which controls the boys' cricket. Although last season was
the first, yet much valuable work was performed, and the energies of those in control
will increasingly be directed to strengthening the organisation of the game.
It will be recollected that the Education Officer was in touch with the M.C.C.
and other Clubs with a view to arranging that some boys should have a chance to
play, after school, on really good grounds under expert coaching. After the preliminary
arrangements had been fixed the London Schools' Cricket Association
undertook the responsibility of organising the details of the scheme. Many clubs
agreed to have parties of boys to their grounds several evenings a week, and to
provide both facilities and coaching. On all sides the clubs have spoken most
highly of the work and behaviour of the boys. The following extract from amongst
many letters illustrates this point. Shepherd's Bush Cricket Club—"The boys
behaved extremely well and seem to benefit by the coaching. They were very
enthusiastic and eager to improve their cricket ability." It is gratifying to note
that during the coming season at least four hundred boys will be receiving such
instruction.
Two very interesting fixtures have been arranged :—
London Elementary Schools v. Eton.
London Elementary Schools v. London Public Schools.
"London Schools' Football Association.—This old established Association, has
once again carried out a most valuable year's work, and not only is the strength
of the association increasing but in many cases the districts and leagues are holding
larger numbers in affiliation. The voluntary work of the teachers and secretaries
of the local districts and leagues is admirable, and it is to be hoped that the younger
teachers will come forward in increasing numbers to fill the gaps created by those
retiring after many years' valuable work.
The scheme whereby the London Schools' Football Association undertakes
the allocation of pitches continues on the whole to work admirably. The shortage
of well-conditioned pitches is, however, a matter of concern in some districts. The
Association (which embraces some extra Metropolitan areas) now has well over one