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The board of the Football Supporters’ Society of Bury would like to provide some context and clarification regarding the statement posted on the Bury Football Club website on 9 July 2026 and the club’s social media platforms on 13 July 2026, the supporter reaction to the statement having been duly noted. Bury FC is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and well‑managed environment for all supporters. Following guidance from national governing bodies and stadium safety specialists, the club is introducing an updated policy regarding junior attendance at matches at the Salford Van Hire Gigg Lane Stadium with effect from 21 July 2026. Across the professional game, safeguarding standards have been strengthened to reflect societal change. The EFL already requires all persons under the age of 16 to be accompanied by an adult and this summer the National League (Steps 1 and 2 of the non-league system) has introduced a compulsory policy requiring all persons under the age of 14 to be accompanied by an adult ahead of the commencement of the 2026-2027 season. Although Bury FC competes at Step 3 of the non-league system, we have been advised by various authorities, taken input from the Safety Advisory Group and our Ground Safety Officer to adopt the same approach as that now applicable to Steps 1 and 2. This recommendation is based on the size and density of our attendances, the average home attendance for the 2025-2026 season having exceeded that of every club competing in National League North, the scale and layout of the stadium and the need to maintain consistent safeguarding standards in line with national football policy. As most of you know, Bury FC is the exception to the rule when it comes to supporter numbers in non‑league football. Attendances being significantly higher than the average for Step 3 brings an increased responsibility to ensure that every supporter, and especially our youngest, is kept safe at all times. There can be no scope for ignorance or complacency where safety is concerned. It is of absolute paramount importance in our operation and should we progress to a higher level the policies relating to attendance of junior supporters will be formally imposed on us in any event. Taking the advice of the specialists now is the responsible and proactive approach. This is not something that we can simply ignore. The club and its directors have a legal responsibility to provide a safe environment for everyone who enters the stadium and implementing this policy will ensure that we continue to meet the highest standards of safeguarding and stadium safety. It is important to emphasise that this is the reason for introducing the policy. It is not a reaction to specific incidents of misconduct or the behaviour of our younger supporters generally. Having said this, and after considering supporter feedback, we do feel that we are able to draw a distinction between weekend afternoon fixtures and midweek evening fixtures. On that basis, all persons under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult (over 18) when attending midweek evening fixtures with effect from the pre-season friendly against Wigan Athletic on 21 July 2026. However, in terms of weekend fixtures during the 2026-2027 season, we will continue with the current policy, which is, persons under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult (over 18). In terms of weekend afternoon fixtures, the position will be monitored during the 2026-2027 season and it should not be assumed that the same policy will remain for the 2027-2028 season and beyond. In fact, as alluded to above, should we achieve a third successive promotion, we will be required to comply with the National League policy in any event. To clarify, this policy is designed solely to protect children, support families and uphold the highest standards of stadium safety. We appreciate the co-operation of all supporters as we implement this important measure and continue to make the Salford Van Hire Gigg Lane Stadium a safe and enjoyable place for everyone. View the full article

We are delighted to confirm our fixture list for the upcoming 2026/27 Northern Premier League Premier Division season, with excitement building ahead of the new campaign. The Shakers will kick off the season on Saturday, 8th August, with an away trip to Redcar Athletic followed by two home games within the opening week against Curzon Ashton and Warrington Rylands. Key Fixtures Opening Day: Redcar Athletic away, Saturday 8th August. August Bank Holiday: Hyde United away, Monday 31st August Boxing Day: FC United of Manchester away, Saturday 26th December Furthest Away Day: Workington AFC, Saturday 10th April Easter Monday: FC United of Manchester home, Monday 29th March Final Day of the Season: Bamber Bridge home, Saturday 17th April Speaking on the announcement, manager Anthony Johnson said: “The fixture release is always an exciting moment because it makes the new season feel real. We know there will be tough tests throughout the campaign, but that’s exactly what we’re looking forward to. We’ll prepare properly, take each game as it comes and make sure we’re ready to represent this football club with pride every time we step onto the pitch. We can’t wait to get started and see everyone back at Gigg Lane.” Our fixtures page will be updated in due course. A calendar sync for the 2026/27 season will also be available soon, so fans can easily keep track of every match on any device. All fixtures are subject to change. View the full article

We’re now two weeks into our Stronger Shakers: Healthy Hearts programme at Bury FC, and it’s been fantastic to see participants enjoying the sessions and making positive changes to their health and wellbeing. Over the first two weeks, participants have taken part in gentle chair-based exercise, strength and balance activities, and interactive nutrition workshops. It’s been great to see everyone encouraging one another, sharing experiences, and growing in confidence each week. Many participants have commented on how welcoming and enjoyable the sessions are, and they’re already looking forward to coming back each Tuesday. Good news – we now have more spaces available! The programme is designed to help people aged 50+ become more active, improve their confidence, and support long-term heart health. The fully funded programme runs for 15 weeks, so there’s still plenty of time to join and benefit from everything on offer. If you or someone you know is aged 50 or over, lives in Bury East or Bury West, and would like to improve their health in a friendly and supportive environment, we’d love to welcome you. Hannah Brindle, Community Development Officer, said: “It’s been wonderful to see people coming together over the last two weeks, supporting one another and taking positive steps towards improving their health. Healthy Hearts is about much more than exercise – it’s about building confidence, making new friendships and helping people feel healthier and more connected”. Sessions take place every Tuesday from 10.00am–11.00am at Gigg Lane, home of Bury FC To find out more or to sign up, visit: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/kxznsqfdQb?origin=lprLink Don’t worry if you’ve missed the first couple of sessions – there’s still time to get involved and start your Healthy Hearts journey with us! View the full article

Bury Football Club are delighted to welcome Freddie Machell to the club’s Emerging Talent Group ahead of the new season. The 20-year-old midfielder joins the Shakers after an impressive spell with Padiham, where he played a key role in the club’s successful promotion-winning campaign to the Northern Premier League West Division. Comfortable anywhere across midfield, Machell arrives at Gigg Lane with plenty of potential and valuable experience despite his young age. He also made history during his time at Padiham by becoming the club’s first-ever contracted player, underlining the faith shown in his ability and development. Freddie’s ambition, versatility and desire to continue progressing make him an exciting addition to the Emerging Talent Group. As part of his continued development, Freddie will join Clitheroe FC on loan until January 2027, allowing him to gain further first-team experience and continue his progression in the game. Everyone at Bury FC would like to welcome Freddie to the club and wish him every success during his loan spell. View the full article

James Neild - Elton Vale (A) | Post-Match Interview | Bury FC

DJ Pedro scored twice as Bury were held 2-2 by Clitheroe before coming from behind to beat National League North side Chorley 2-1 in Saturday’s double-header. Bury were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw with Clitheroe on a baking hot afternoon in the Ribble Valley. Kicking off at noon, the Shakers fielded a mixed side featuring first-team regulars, under-21 players and several trialists. Bury made the brighter start, with Mo Touray firing narrowly wide before seeing another effort saved, although the flag would have ruled it out. Luca Navarro also caused problems, sending a dangerous cross through the six-yard box that just evaded DJ Pedro, while a Stepans corner was headed wide by a trialist defender. The breakthrough arrived before half-time when Touray knocked the ball down for Pedro, who rifled a superb strike from outside the area beyond Clitheroe goalkeeper Isherwood. Bury continued to control proceedings after the break. Stepans forced a smart save, Navarro curled narrowly wide and Isherwood produced another fingertip stop to keep the visitors’ lead at one. The second goal soon followed as Bury broke quickly, with Gould supplying the cross for Pedro to finish and double his tally. However, Clitheroe fought back through Ross Dent. His first came after Bury’s trialist goalkeeper spilled a header from a free-kick into his path for a simple finish. The hosts piled on the pressure and levelled late on when substitute goalkeeper Oli Gollcher could only parry a corner, allowing Dent to convert from close range. Gollcher then produced a Peter Schmeichel style save to deny Clitheroe a dramatic winner, leaving Bury to reflect on a strong performance but a frustrating late collapse. In their second match of a very hot summers day in July Bury came from behind to beat Chorley 2-1. Having fielded an eleven against NPL West side Clitheroe Bury would now face higher level opponents Chorley of the National League North at their Victory Parade home. Fielding a side of mostly first team players with a few trialists on the bench Bury did not get off to a great start conceding a penalty through a clumsy Louis Isherwood challenge. While goalkeeper snitch Allen got a hand to the spot kick he could not prevent Whitehouse from opening the scoring. Despite the poor start the visiting Shakers looked the part and could have found an equaliser through George Glendon but for a last minute interception, while Kai Evans and Leo Graham both had shots blocked. After the break Bury were much better and levelled the match in unusual circumstances. Tom Carr against his own side was clattered by the keeper. Ordinarily it might have been a penalty but for the loose ball that slowly crawled into the net for the equaliser. From there Bury never looked back Carr nearly doubled his tally heading a cross that the Chorley keeper Barry did well to save before the Shakers took the lead. Graham’s corner reached Threlkeld who had lost his marker and he deftly headed to the far corner to put Bury ahead. While Chorley had a goal chalked off for offside it was Bury that saw the match out and ended their busy day on a high. After the games, manager Anthony Johnson said: “I couldn’t have hoped for two better performances today. That’s not me throwing superlatives around – I genuinely thought, across both games, we were excellent.” “The young players were outstanding at Clitheroe. To put together such a young back line that had never really played together before and see them perform like they did was really pleasing.” “Then to come here and play the way we did against a strong Chorley side was another big positive. We went behind to a penalty, but our intensity after half-time was excellent and I thought we deserved the win.” “The most important thing was getting the minutes into the lads. Everybody came through unscathed, which is exactly what you want at this stage of pre-season, and we’ve shown we’ve got real strength throughout the squad.” View the full article

As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all supporters, the club will be introducing a new attendance policy for supporters under the age of 14 from the start of the 2026/27 season. From the beginning of the 2026/27 season, all supporters under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 18 or over when attending matches at the ground. Children under 14 will not be permitted entry unless they are attending with an adult who remains responsible for them throughout their visit. This will be implemented from our first pre-season friendly at home against Wigan Athletic on Tuesday 21st July. Why Is This Change Being Introduced? While the policy is not currently a requirement at our level of the football pyramid, the club believes it is an appropriate step to take. As a club with attendances, facilities and matchday operations more closely aligned to those found higher up the pyramid, we feel it is important that our safeguarding arrangements reflect those standards. The decision follows careful consideration by the club and has been taken with the welfare and safety of young supporters at its heart. Planning Your Visit Supporters are encouraged to take note of the new requirements when purchasing tickets and making matchday arrangements. Information about the policy will be available through our website and ticketing platforms ahead of the new season. Signage will also be displayed around the ground, including at turnstiles. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all supporters as we introduce this important safeguarding measure and continue to provide a safe and welcoming environment for fans of all ages. View the full article

Bury Football Club Community Sports Trust is delighted to announce the launch of Play It Safe, a brand-new 12-week community programme designed to bring young people together through football while promoting positive life choices, personal development and community cohesion. Funded by the NPL Trident Community Foundation, the free programme will begin on Friday 24th July at Gigg Lane, offering young adults aged 18-25 the opportunity to take part in weekly football sessions alongside workshops focused on confidence, resilience, communication and decision-making. The project has been developed to provide a positive and inclusive environment where young people can stay active, meet new people and develop valuable life skills. Alongside football, participants will also explore important topics including mental wellbeing, conflict resolution and knife crime awareness, supported by experienced coaches and community partners. As part of the programme, participants will benefit from: Weekly football coaching sessions Personal development workshops Community engagement activities Opportunities to build confidence and resilience Progression into volunteering, coaching and recreational football A celebratory charity match at Gigg Lane to conclude the programme The programme aims to strengthen community connections, encourage healthier lifestyles and provide young people with positive role models and opportunities that continue beyond the initial 12 weeks. Casey Lynchey, Head of Operations & Community at Bury FC Community Sports Trust, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the NPL Trident Community Foundation for supporting this project. Football has an incredible ability to bring people together, and through Play It Safe we want to create opportunities for young people to develop confidence, build friendships and make positive choices in a safe and supportive environment. This programme is about much more than football, it’s about helping young people realise their potential and feel part of something positive within their community.” The sessions are completely free to attend. Anyone aged 18–25 interested in taking part can register by scanning the QR code on the promotional poster or filling in this form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/zSeB2zUj64?origin=lprLink Places are limited and early registration is encouraged. View the full article

We are delighted to announce the signings of forward Oliver Hodgson from Bacup Borough and goalkeeper Bradley Sullivan, who both become the latest additions to the club’s newly established Emerging Talent Group. Hodgson joins the Shakers after an outstanding spell with Bacup Borough and with significant senior experience already under his belt, having made nearly 100 appearances in the North West Counties Football League. A product of Nelson, Oliver broke into first-team football at just 15 years old and earned recognition with the Lancashire FA Schoolboys side after impressing in representative trials. After two seasons at Nelson, he moved to Bacup Borough, where he continued his development and established himself as one of the division’s brightest young players. Sullivan also joins the Emerging Talent Group, bringing valuable senior experience from spells on dual registration with Prestwich Heys and Padiham. He enjoyed an impressive campaign with Padiham last season, helping the Storks secure promotion through the play-offs with a series of assured performances. As part of the club’s Emerging Talent Group, both players will continue their development within the Bury FC pathway. Oliver will train with the First Team throughout pre-season, while Bradley will immediately join Wythenshawe Town on a season-long loan to gain regular first-team football. Everyone at Bury FC would like to welcome Oliver and Bradley to Gigg Lane. We wish Oliver every success in blue and white and look forward to following Bradley’s progress during his time at Wythenshawe Town. View the full article

Anthony Johnson - Totty United (A) | Post-Match Interview | Bury FC