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VALE – Robert Forrai

VALE – Robert Forrai
NSFA is very saddened to advise of the passing of former Lindfield and KDSA/NSFA coaching legend Robert Forrai.
 
Robert (pictured far left) was, along with David Lee, Vic Dalgleish and Dave Wardell one of the pioneers of coaching in this association. Robert coached for many years in the Ku-ring-gai representative program, with particular interest in the development ages of 9-12. Robert also spent a lot of time coaching coaches so that more of our players could receive the best possible football education available.
 
Robert will be remembered as a man of boundless energy and enthusiasm for the job of educating and developing players and coaches. Robert cared greatly for the players and coaches that came into his orbit, as well as the KDSA reps and his beloved Lindfield FC. Most of all he loved the game of football.
 
NSFA extends its deepest condolences to Robert’s wife Agnes and his family. A service will be held for Robert on Wednesday 23rd August at 1:30 at Northern Suburbs Crematorium.
 
Please see the below tribute from Lindfield President Clive Solari to give an insight to Robert’s contribution to that club.
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Lindfield FC heard some very sad news with the passing of Robert Forrai on Sunday August 20th, after a long battle with illness.
 
Rob is a life member of Lindfield Football Club and was instrumental in helping build the foundations of LFC’s Youth Coaching and Player Development Programs.
 
As a Hungarian immigrant, he had a real passion for Football, dedicating himself to teaching players and parents about the game. At Lindfield FC he initiated ‘Coach the Coaches Programs’ and set up the first ever Super Skills Programs.
 
He invested countless hours in developing and nurturing talented junior/youth players through his roles at Lindfield FC and the NSFA/KDSA Representative Teams. He managed to instil his passion and love for the game in all his players. Many of his players went on to play at higher levels in the old National Soccer League and Socceroos. His most high profile graduate, Robbie Hooker! He also encouraged many of his players to become coaches by incorporating them in his sessions as skills demonstrators.
 
Any player growing up in the Lindfield, Killara, Gordon, St Ives and Pymble areas during the 1980s and 1990s would have been to one his infamous soccer camps held at Davidson High School and then later Killara High. Rob gave every player and coach at that camp a memorable footballing experience!
 
For those who knew Rob, he was not only a coach, but an incredible family man and mentor. Once a player had graduated from Rob’s team he always made an effort to keep in touch and follow their progress. For some players, the relationship has spanned 30+ years.
 
To honour his influence on so many, the Lindfield FC Premier League Team established an award to the person who embodied dedication, passion and commitment to Lindfield FC. Qualities that Rob himself demonstrated throughout his coaching.
 
If the goal in coaching is to light the spark of football passion within your players, then Rob’s influence and legacy will burn for a very long time.
 
Farewell Rob! Lindfield FC and the Football Community cannot thank you enough for the positive impact you’ve had.

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