Our Head of Women’s Football, Casey Lynchey provided the latest updates on the women’s section at the club in yesterday matchday programme.
As Head of Women’s Football at Bury FC, I am immensely proud of the progress we have made in recent years. What we are building is far more than a collection of teams; it is a clearly defined pathway, a thriving community, and a culture in which women and girls feel valued, supported and inspired to be part of our club.
On any given training evening at Gigg Lane, the impact of this work is visible. Young girls take their first touches in a Bury shirt through our Bury Ballers and Wildcats sessions, teenage players grow in confidence and ambition, and adult women rediscover their love of the game, sometimes after many years away. Creating a genuine journey from grassroots participation to adult football has been a central focus of our efforts. We now proudly field girls’ teams across multiple age groups, from Under-7s through to Under-18s, as well as an FA-approved Squad Girls’ provision for teenage girls.
At senior level, our women’s first team, reserves and development squad provide a clear progression route for those advancing through the pathway. Our first team is currently competing in Tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid within the NWWRFL, where they continue to demonstrate resilience and ambition. This season, they have secured valuable points against respected local rivals including Bolton Wanderers and FC United of Manchester. These results reflect both the quality within the squad and the progress we are making as a club.
Our reserves and development squads play an equally important role within this structure. The women’s reserves have gone over a year unbeaten in the league, are pushing for another league title and are firmly in the hunt for back-to-back promotions. They have also secured a place in the Greater Manchester Women’s Football League Cup semi-final, showing real consistency and quality throughout the season. If promoted, they will join the first team in the North West Regional League (Tier 6). The newly formed development team, made up mainly of young and upcoming U21 players, have had an excellent first year in the Women’s Football League. Their progress has been impressive, and they have now reached their first divisional cup final after a strong 3–2 win over Salford United.
With eight women’s recreational teams and five women’s vet’s teams, this section has become one of the most diverse and well-established parts of the club. It reflects our commitment to providing football for every level of ability and ambition, ensuring genuine accessibility. Our recreational programme offers a structured, supportive environment for those new to the game and those returning after time away, while our thriving vets section demonstrates that passion for football continues well beyond traditional pathways. Together, these teams showcase our inclusive ethos and reinforce our reputation as a club that champions lifelong participation in football. Furthermore, we have recently introduced a women’s walking football programme, ‘Walk This Way’, funded by Bury VCFA.
Our message is simple: football at Bury FC is for life. Our youngest female participant is just two years old, and we are proud to offer opportunities that extend well beyond traditional playing years. Each new team represents more than growth in numbers; it represents opportunity for women and girls in our town and beyond to play, compete, build friendships and develop through football.
I am particularly proud of the strong female presence throughout the wider club. Women are not only participating – they are leading, organising and shaping the future direction of Bury FC. From important decision-making and leading match-day operations to community engagement and youth development, women’s voices are integral to our club. Visibility matters. When young girls see women leading, coaching, volunteering and representing the club, they see tangible examples of what is possible. What we are building is sustainable, inclusive and ambitious. Above all, it is driven by passion – passion from players proud to wear the shirt, from volunteers committed to our vision, and from a club that recognises the importance of equal opportunity. As we continue to grow and evolve, I firmly believe that the most exciting chapters are still ahead.