Newent Town AFC is set to expand its facilities after receiving approval for new changing rooms and youth pitches, enhancing community sports opportunities.
Newent: A local football club just got the green light to expand! Newent Town AFC is thrilled after the Forest of Dean District Council approved their plans. They’ll be adding new changing rooms, a fitness room, and two youth pitches behind their current ground.
The club has been growing, especially with women’s and youth teams. They want to use a field that used to be for sheep grazing. Matt Tompkins, the club’s agent, emphasized how important this expansion is for the community. He mentioned that they recently took on youth teams from the now-closed Gorsley Football Club.
Matt pointed out that it’s crucial for former Gorsley players to have a place to continue playing. Newent Town AFC now has a first team, a reserve team, a ladies team, and 11 youth teams. They really want to make sure there are enough pitches for all these young players.
Interestingly, the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal Trust had some concerns about the plans. They wanted changes to keep the canal route intact. But after some adjustments, they withdrew their objections. The council members were all on board with the proposal, seeing it as a valuable facility for the youth.
One councillor even joked about how unique it is to have a football club divided by a canal. It’s not every day you see that! The committee voted unanimously to approve the expansion, which is great news for the club and the community.
