Forrest Field

In 2010, our community took on monumental task in developing a new sports facility that would encompass baseball, football and soccer. Through the participation of forestry companies, the town and local community groups, a 4.93-ha. park was obtained and the start of the sports complex began.

In 2011, we dedicated Forrest Field, the first amenity within this outstanding new complex. Forrest Field is a combination football and soccer field laid with a FieldTurf surface. Using FieldTurf has made this the absolute best pitch on Vancouver Island, and one of the top three fields in all of BC. It looks and feels like natural grass, and provides year-round usage. Forrest Field is now home to many local sports teams, clubs and recreational groups, including drop-in soccer, flag football, touch rugby, Ladysmith Pee Wee Football, Mid-Isle Youth Soccer, and the newly formed Mid-Isle Highlanders FC.

Opening Ceremony

Forrest Field is named in recognition of Denny and Mary Forrest, residents of Ladysmith, who have been outstanding volunteers not only in the soccer community, but also around the town. Denny helped bring the Division Five 49ers all the way to the Premier Level, he was a former town councillor and a longtime member of the Field User Task Force.

The road stretching past the field is now known as Jim Cram Drive. Jim Cram is best known as a long-time Ladysmith teacher. He also served as Scout Master, coached three school sports for decades, was named Volunteer of the Year in 2010 and has been awarded the Prime Minister’s award for teaching.

Turf Field Rules

Ladysmith Turf Field Rules & Code of Conduct

Application of Turf Policy and Rules

  • The Turf Policy and Rules are in effect at all times and apply to everyone using the field.
  • Home teams shall inform away teams of all the Turf Field rules.
  • Visiting teams are to adhere to all the Turf Field rules.
  • Home teams and referees will be liable for suspension of field privileges if the Policies and Rules are not followed.

Only participants (players, team staff, and referees) are allowed on the turf field

  • Spectators, parents and family members are to remain outside the fence.
  • Use the gates to enter the field. Never hop over the fence.

Only CLEAN permitted footwear (multi-stud or turf soccer shoes, sneakers) are allowed

  • Clean soccer cleats before entering turf field – use boot brushes at gate accesses.
  • Replaceable (screw-in) stud shoes, metal cleats, racing flats, and shoes with heels are not permitted.

Turf Field Etiquette for practice and games

  • Teams must prepare to LEAVE the Artificial Turf field FIVE MINUTES before their END TIME for transition time between teams.
  • Teams must not ENTER the fenced field area until their START TIME. This will help avoid conflict between groups and equipment mix-ups.

ONLY WATER in plastic bottles is allowed on the turf field

  • No other drinks (pop, juice, sports drinks, alcohol, etc.) or food (including oranges), chewing gum, sunflower seeds, candies, etc. are permitted.

Clean up afterwards

  • Everything brought in to the enclosure is to be removed from the enclosure at the end of your use of the field. This includes all equipment, clothing, water bottles, bags, tape and garbage.

No furniture, tents, awnings are permitted on the Turf

  • This includes portable seating, benches, chairs, tables, tents, and awnings.

Tobacco products and animals are not permitted on the Turf

  • There is NO SMOKING within 15 metres of the Turf Field and no animals allowed on the field.

Goals are to be moved by carrying

  • Goals are never to be dragged on the turf.
  • Goals are to be removed from the turf at the end of practice or games.

Temporary rules until landscaping is established

  • Until the landscaping around the field enclosure has been completed, entry is to be restricted to the access gates on the bleacher/portables side of the field.
  • Balls that leave the enclosure should be retrieved by people outside the field enclosure or left until the end of practice.