FGR Supporters Club

 

How it all started...
Towards the end of the Second World War a small committee was formed to raise funds to welcome home Forest Green service personnel - it was called The Forest Green Welcome Home Fund.

 

The main officers were: Chairman: W. G. (Billy) Guy, Secretary: S. B. (Stan) White, Treasurer: A. H. (Bert) Russell.

 

When the war ended and with it the need of the Welcome Home Committee, Billy Guy said: "What can we do now - I know, let's try to raise money to help the 'Rovers' - Forest Green Rovers Supporters Club was born".

 

Over the years many money-raising events were held (whist drives, dances, etc.), but by far the most successful money-spinner was a 21-goal Pontoon (the brain-child of Stan White).

 

Agents were recruited (originally unpaid!) to operate in the many factories up and down the valley and to involve the shops in Nailsworth. Gradually the bank balance grew, and at one of our meetings in the distant past Billy Guy (ever the optimist!) made the famous statement: "One day we will have £1,000 in the bank!". We all looked at each other, thinking Billy has gone off his "trolley".

 

But that sum and much, much more was raised by the voluntary and enthusiastic efforts of many people and the numerous ground improvements commenced: changing quarters were built; boundary walls erected; a new stand and terracing emerged; the ground was levelled as far as was possible regarding the geology of the area; and finally a sports and social club built - the only project which necessitated taking up a loan (from Welsh Breweries at 0% interest over a five-year period!).

 

Of course, many wonderful things have happened during the latter years through the tremendous enthusiasm and commitment of the parent body chairman and his staff and board members.

 

But this is just a glance back into the past and an appreciation of many dedicated supporters of years gone by, whose love of Forest Green Rovers helped in some way to provide us all with what we can enjoy today.

 

Many names from the past could be mentioned, but they all gloried in doing what they could to help and we will leave it at that!

 

(Your scribe is an anonymous life-long F.G.R. nut!)

 

The 2001-02 season saw the FGR Supporter's Club raise well over £24,000 which was distributed to various local charities and Forest Green Rovers FC.

 

Join the Supporters Club NOW!!!!

Joining the Supporters Club is simple, just download and fill out the form below, and then send it complete with two recent passport size photographs of yourself and payment of £10 to the address on the form.

 

Download the application form