A clubhouse at Lionel Watts Reserve in Frenchs Forest will soon be named after Eric Galloway, life member and stalwart of Belrose ‘Eagles’ Rugby League Football Club.

Following community consultation, Council has decided to name the building the Eric Galloway Clubhouse in recognition of Mr Galloway’s contribution to the community.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the naming proposal received strong support from the community.

“This is a fitting acknowledgement of Eric’s lifelong contributions to junior rugby league and other local sporting clubs” Mayor Regan said.

“Eric has achieved so much for rugby league and cricket over the years and he is truly a valued member of our local community.” 

The clubhouse is located at the eastern end of Lionel Watts Oval on Blackbutts Road, Frenchs Forest, and is the home base of the Belrose Rugby League Club.

It is also used by Wakehurst Cricket Club, Frenchs Forest Horticultural and Agricultural Society and the Wakehurst Little Athletics. All clubs support the clubhouse being given the formal name of Eric Galloway Clubhouse.

Mr Galloway has been recognised for his contributions to both rugby league and cricket, with a Centenary Medal from the Governor-General of Australia in 2001 and the Ray Stellar Award (Club Person of the year) from New South Wales Rugby League.

Mr Galloway is a life member and ex-board member of Manly Warringah Rugby League. He was also the president of the Manly Warringah Pittwater Sporting Union for many years and worked with local council to upgrade sporting fields and facilities across the Northern Beaches.

Signage will be designed and installed on the clubhouse this financial year.