David Forsyth

David Forsyth, a distinguished educator and sportsman, taught in the Berlin High School from 1876, and was principal from 1901-1921.

He originated the method of teaching science by requiring each pupil to perform the experiment and deduct his own conclusions – a method that was later compulsory. His valued contributions to education included membership on the Royal Commission on Industrial and Technical Training.

Known as “The Daddy of association football or soccer,” he was one of the best players in Canada and was responsible for organizing, in 1880, the Western Football Association, the oldest football association in America. Soccer or association football, grew from his expert coaching in the Berlin High School. Boys coached by him joined the “Berlin Rangers,” a team that became internationally famous, winning half of the games played in the British Isles.

Forsyth was also an expert lacrosse and cricket player and an accomplished cyclist and canoeist.