Newent Town AFC is set to expand its facilities after receiving approval for new changing rooms and youth pitches, enhancing community sports.
Newent: Exciting news for the local football scene! Newent Town AFC just got the green light to expand their facilities. They’re planning to build new changing rooms, a fitness room, and even two youth pitches behind their current ground. This is a big win for the club and the community.
The Forest of Dean District Council approved the plans after some back and forth. The club currently has a first team pitch, a stand, and a clubhouse, but they want to grow. They’ve been expanding their reach to include women’s football and youth teams, which is fantastic.
Matt Tompkins, the club’s agent, made a strong case for the expansion. He highlighted the importance of providing a space for former Gorsley Football Club members and local youth. The club now supports a first team, reserve team, ladies team, and 11 youth teams, which is quite impressive.
They need those new pitches for youth games, and the proposed building will include changing rooms and a gym. Plus, parking arrangements will stay the same, so no worries there. Initially, the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal Trust had some concerns, but they withdrew their objections after the plans were tweaked.
Local councillors were all in favor of the project, emphasizing the value it brings to young people in the area. It’s not every day you hear about a football club divided by a canal, right? Chairman Dave Wheeler even joked about arriving by barge once the canal is restored. The committee voted unanimously to approve the plans, which is a huge step forward for Newent Town AFC.
