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Ever wonder why Nottingham Forest has Forest in their name?

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Ever wonder why Nottingham Forest have Forest in their name?

It is one of the coolest and most unique team names in all of sports. But why on earth does Nottingham Forest have Forest in their name?

Yes, before you yell it out, it does have something to do with Robin Hood. Let me explain…

Gaelic hockey to football

In 1865 a group of shinty players (a Gaelic sport similar to field hockey) met at the Clinton Arms pub on Sherwood Street in Nottingham.

Chairman JS Scrimshaw proposed they played football instead of shinty. Members agreed and switched their sticks for a ball and Nottingham Forest Football Club was born.

But where does the name Forest come from?

It is because they played their first games at Forest Recreation Ground in Nottingham.

This is where Robin Hood comes back in.

The Forest Recreation Ground is based in an area which was part of Sherwood Forest in medieval times.

Robin Hood origins

So, Sherwood Forest — synonymous with Robin Hood — was technically Nottingham Forest’s original home.

But as the team grew in popularity, they had to move from the Forest Recreation Ground as this land was common ground and the club could not charge people to watch their games.

Since 1898 they have called the City Ground home and it’s just 2.8 miles away from their spiritual home which was once part of Sherwood Forest. Hence the name.

Ever wonder why Nottingham Forest has Forest in their name? originally appeared on NBCSports.com