Forest Junior Rugby Club History

The Juniors have been part of the development of this Club since being formed in 1958 when one Junior team was fielded and the games were played at French's Forest Primary School.

In 1966 the Club moved to Melwood Oval in Forestville. Since then, the Juniors have fluctuated in numbers and teams, as all amateur sports codes do. From the highs of the seventies fielding up to 20 teams in Senior and Junior grades and having one of the early Juniors' players, Peter Sullivan, selected in the Australian test team of 1971, to the eighties when the Juniors played under the banner of Forest Killarney Shamrocks.

The Juniors rejoined with the Forest Club in 1989, and with the construction of the clubhouse, funded and built by the members in 1992, the Juniors have grown into a strong club, fielding teams in the U6 to U18 age groups.

2001 Under 12 premiers

The installation of lighting at Melwood has not only enhanced the training facilities but also introduced Friday night rugby under the lights which is becoming increasingly popular not only for the players but also as a social event for parents and supporters of the Juniors. This gives the option for players/parents who have other commitments on Saturday to still play.

The increasing strength of the juniors is being highlighted by an increasing number of our players being selected for representative teams for Manly in the U10-U16 age groups. This opportunity can only increase our players confidence and skills in their playing years to come. The Forest Club will actively promote and encourage players to strive for representative honours in 2005 and in the years to come.

The Club's philosophy in promoting the game is to strengthen the coaching and administration of the Juniors with a focus on participation and equal playing time for all players regardless of ability.

2003 Under 12 Premiers

The Juniors management committee, their coaches and managers are committed to promoting the "Union" culture of sportsmanship, safety and positive support for the players from all parents and supporters. The flow-on effect from this approach will ensure the players enjoy the game, will be given the opportunity to develop their talent and encourage involvement in a team sport that will carry on through their school years and into the senior ranks of Forest.

All current coaches have Level 1 accreditation and are involved in ongoing coaching programmes which ensure not only experienced coaching but also ensure the safety of all players.

The facilities at our home ground, Melwood Oval in Forestville are second to none on the Peninsula and with a very active and enthusiastic committee and the Club members the Juniors enjoy a friendly social atmosphere on training nights as well as home games.

A feature of the Club as an entity will be the support from the Seniors not only in coaching assistance for the Juniors but also support on game days whenever possible will be an intrinsic part of the Juniors development strategy. Our junior players will also be encouraged to support their senior teams on home game days by providing players as ball boys and other activities to develop their identity as Forest Rugby Club members and supporters.