1) The Longest-Serving Club in the National League
They have been part of the National League since the 1982/83 season where they won promotion from the Hellenic Football League Premier Division to the Southern Football League Midland Division. This is essentially the equivalent of the 7th tier of English football today. The club has spent every season since in the National League.
2) Stroud FC
Forest Green weren’t always called Forest Green. Between the 1989/90 and 1991/92 seasons, the club was called Stroud FC. This was done in an attempt to revitalise a club struggling both on and off the pitch, but it was unsuccessful, and the arrival of a new chairman saw a return to the club’s original name.
3) Highest Attendance
When Forest Green reached the Third Round of the FA Cup for the first time in 2009, and were drawn at home to Derby County, they recorded their highest-ever attendance of 4,836. The Green actually went 2-0 up, but eventually lost the game 4-3.
4) Fourth Round Draw
The season following their first-ever Third Round appearance, they repeated the feat. However, their tie was postponed due to freezing conditions, which meant that Forest Green were entered into the fourth round draw for the first time in their history. They were drawn against Wigan Athletic, but lost their Third Round match against Notts County 2-1.
5) The World’s First Vegan Football Match
When Forest Green faced Lincoln City at home in a Conference League match on the 1st of November 2014, it was dedicated to the Vegan Society and World Vegan Day. All the food sold at the ground was completely vegan, and the day received support from the McCartneys. Forest Green were 3-0 down at half-time, but they came back to draw 3-3 and maintain an unbeaten streak. Last year, they launched as an all vegan club.
6) Highest League Position
Last season, Forest Green achieved their highest-ever league position, finishing fifth, and consequently, qualifying for the play-offs. However, they were beaten 3-0 over two legs in the semi-final by Bristol Rovers. Currently second in the league, they may be on course to better that this season.
7) Opening Game Win Record
At the beginning of this season, Forest Green won their opening nine games, completed with a win over Southport. They are the only club in the history of the National League to do so, and their good form has continued this season, as they chase the title and automatic promotion to the Football League.
8) Barcelona Badge
The club’s previous badge was very similar to FC Barcelona’s current crest, with the flag of St. George, showing links to both England and Catalonia. The current badge has been in use since the beginning of the 2011/12 season.
9) Black and White
Despite being called Forest Green, the club’s traditional colours are actually black and white stripes, and black shorts. In 2012, the controversial decision was made to move from the traditional colours to lime green and black stripes and black shorts. The design has been altered slightly since, but the basis remains the same.
10) Going Green
In 2012, the club won 1st prize out of over 200 candidates at the Institute of Groundsmanship Awards in the ‘Sustainability and Environmental’ category for its numerous environmentally friendly policies and facilities, including solar power and an organic pitch at The New Lawn.
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