The Life Story of J J Simons: Founder of the Young Australia League by Victor Courtney

Book Description

Secondhand. Very good condition. Minor wear to book corners and edges. Dust jacket has tears to covers and is now enclosed in protective cover. Body text and binding are still very good. Nice copy.

John (Jack) Joseph Simons (1882-1948), businessman, sports administrator and politician, was the founder of the Young Australia League.

The League originated in the Young Australia Football League (YAFL). YAFL was formed in 1905 in response to the perceived encroachment of soccer, rugby, and other "non-Australian sports," and the threat this posed to AFL football. YAFL sponsored intra- and interstate tours of young footballers with the intention of promoting AFL within the context of Australian nationalism.

YAFL changed its name to the Young Australia League (YAL) and broadened its activities by promoting education through travel. During Simon's lifetime, over 100,000 boys joined.

The Australian Dictionary of Biography describes YAL as a patriotic, independent, non-political, non-sectarian organisation whose membership included girls but emphasised boys' activities.