THAT'S SUITE: Plucky daffs get sign off for bunch of improvements
By Simon Hacker | 29th January 2025
It's all kicking off at Newent AFC after final paperwork for on change of use of 3.5 acres of land for the expansion of at the club was agreed by Forest of Dean planners.
The ambitious vision for the popular club, which plays in the Ulsport Hellenic League Division One and was established in 1920, includes a hospitality suite, two new youth pitches and a building to house a changing room, fitness space and undercover storage.
The work, behind the club's Wildsmith Meadow ground in Malswick, will also see the creation of a new area of hardstanding adjacent to the existing access as well as more toilets and an extra kitchen.

Phil Clarke, club secretary, told Punchline-Gloucester.com that the news came as the roof trusses for the new extension were put in place today, the essential stages of planning already being in place.
He said: "There's an excited mood surrounding the club with the progress on our vision.
"We haven't had a great season so far in 2023-24, but under new management we saw an incredible 1-0 win on Saturday againt Redditch, which when you consider the comparative populations of us, with 5,000 residents, against a club from 125,000, was remarkable."

At the previous meeting of the clubs, Redditch romped to a 4-0 victory but Saturday's game saw Hartpury student Cristiano Ascencao hit the back of Redditch's net for a glorious home win.
Phil added: "The other great news is that we are planning a staircase in the new building – and that will lead to a new rooftop terrace where fans will be able to have a drink and watch the game from above."
Back in March last year the club had a breathrough when vital funds amounting to £100,000 for the scheme were allotted through the Football Foundation, a government tie-in with the Premier League and the FA. With the job being calculated at some £130,000, he said local firms and the community had chipped in to help kickstart the project, including MKM Building Supplies, Steve Gooch Estate Agents and window and door company Hall and Jones. Country Construction, of nearby Gorsley, were now completing the job.

By October last year, Phil updated fans with a report which revaled how groundworks had been completed and the new building extension was already up to roof level.
In a statement, the club said: "The Hospitality Suite is not just a project for matchdays; it represents a community hub that will host events, meetings, and celebrations. This initiative will strengthen the ties between the club and the local community, providing a space where residents can come together.
Phil added: "This is a significant step forward for Newent - we're excited to create a space that not only enhances the matchday experience but also serves as a focal point for community activities."
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