Commentary on war and football from Surrey Comet dated 12 September 1914

WAR AND FOOTBALL. Significant Action of the F.A. Local Clubs Doing Their Duty. In last Saturday's issue of the "Surrey Comet" the question of "Country or Sport' was put before footballers in a manner that has met with the heartiest approval of clubs and Leagues in this district. It is characteristic of Britain's sons that it is difficult to get them to accept new facts, but when once their importance is realised it is equally characteristic of the Britisher to face the fresh situation with wholehearted enthusiasm that compels admiration. No one would suggest that the choice of serving his country or kicking a football every Saturday afternoon had been ever seriously considered by the young man of the day; all that was lacking in some instances was an appreciation of the true perspective of the situation which so suddenly confronted him. There is now no thought of sport in this young man's breast. The thrill of the Call to Arms pulses through his veins, and in responding to it, it is to his advantage that his nerves and his muscles have been strengthened by vigorous participation in healthy sport, which, please God, he will again enjoy. In the sphere of football events have moved quickly of late. The Football Association, the greatest sports' organisation in the world, now says that if the efforts of the War Office can be aided by the complete cessation of the game this aid will be given. It may be said that this action has been anticipated locally by the decision of the Kingston-On-Thames F.C. to cancel all engagements. Less was not expected of the senior club in a royal borough. Meetings of Leagues during the past few days have revealed the fact that the divisions have been denuded of their clubs by reason of members joining the Army, and it has been a joy to executives of these Leagues that this should be so. From north, south, east or west, in this part of the county, as one truly believes is the case everywhere, comes the statement "our matches have been scratched because so many of our members have enlisted." Others are looking to the county authority for some definite instruction, and there is no reason to suppose that at the Surrey F.A. assembly at the Holborn Restaurant next Wednesday night the right counsel will not be given. To followers of the Rugby Code already the pronouncement has been made. The headquarters of the English Rugby Union, at Twickenham, are at the disposal of the War Office, and amongst the clubs that have formally met during the past few days is the Twickenham F.C., which had hoped to celebrate its jubilee during a successful season. This club. in common with all others, loyally abides by the ruling of the R.F.U. as to the cancellation of fixtures, Mr. C. T. Donaldson, hon. secretary of the Hampstead Wanderers F.C. whose home matches are played at New Malden, with a membership largely recruited from this district, says that of the five fifteens there are not now sufficient members for even one team, so loyally answered has been the country's call. See report in original format.