Bury FC is delighted to announce that we have been awarded the FA 2-Star Accreditation – a national standard of excellence that recognises our outstanding commitment to grassroots football, community engagement and long-term player development.
This prestigious status marks a major milestone in the club’s journey and is a celebration of everything we strive to deliver across our adult, youth and community football programmes. It is recognition that Bury FC is not only building competitive teams, but also a meaningful, inclusive and sustainable football pathway for players from all walks of life.
A Complete Football Pathway – From Baby Ballers to Adult Football
At the heart of this achievement is our comprehensive player pathway – one that supports players at every stage of their football journey.
From our newly introduced Baby Ballers for 2-4 year old toddlers and Wildcats sessions that welcome our youngest players into the game, through to our junior boys’ and girls’ teams, disability football and all the way up to adult men’s, women’s, veterans’ squads and walking football. Bury FC offers a structure that promotes growth, enjoyment and progression.
Everyone, regardless of age, gender, experience or background, is given the opportunity to find their place in the game and our success in securing 2-Star Accreditation reflects our commitment to maintaining these opportunities at the highest standards.
Girls’ Football: Growing the Game and Building Confidence
A key part of our accreditation is our expanded girls’ football offer, designed to support participation and progression at every age group. In line with the FA’s strategy to grow the women’s game, we are proud to now offer:
- Wildcats Centre for girls aged 5–11: fun, beginner-friendly sessions to build skills and confidence
- Squad Girls for ages 12–15: creating a positive and engaging space to keep teenage girls involved in football
- Junior girls’ teams across multiple age groups competing in local leagues
- Women’s development and first teams offering competitive opportunities into adulthood – we currently field 3 x 11aside adult female teams.
- Women’s recreational, vets and walking football 9 recreational teams competing in the Manchester Flexi League, 5 new vets teams and women’s walking football
The girls’ pathway at Bury FC is now more complete than ever and continues to grow, thanks to strong coaching, club support and increasing demand from families across the borough. We recently hosted a ‘Big Football Day’ at Gigg Lane – a women and girls’ takeover to coincide with the women’s Euros, in conjunction with Manchester FA.
Inclusive Football: Comets Pan-Disability Centre
In another proud step toward football for all, Bury FC recently launched its Comets Pan-Disability Football Centre – a specialist initiative aimed at providing fun, accessible football sessions for children with additional needs and disabilities.
These weekly sessions give children of all abilities the chance to be active, make friends, and experience the joy of football in a safe and welcoming environment, supported by coaches trained in inclusive practice.
The launch of Comets is a key part of our pledge to ensure no child is left behind in their chance to play the game they love.
Schools Partnership: Shaping the Next Generation
In addition to our club programmes, Bury FC also runs a wide-reaching School Sports Partnership across the town. Working with local primary and secondary schools, our coaches deliver:
- School visits
- Holiday football camps
- Girls-only programmes
- Links to club teams for long-term participation
This partnership enables us to reach children who may never have played football before and helps build lasting connections between schools, families, and grassroots sport. It is also a vital pathway into club football, ensuring that talent and enthusiasm are nurtured from an early age.
Additionally, we have given out over 2000 free match day tickets to pupils across the borough and provide the opportunity for children to be mascots and flagbearers at both our men’s and women’s home matches at Gigg Lane.
Reaching Further: Our Work with BAME
In recognition of Bury’s diverse population, the club has also made strong commitments to engaging with The BAME Project through targeted outreach and inclusive programming.
This includes:
- Hosting children’s beginner football and fitness sessions
- Organising fun tournaments for secondary pupils from local high schools
- Encouraging greater representation in coaching and club leadership roles
- Giving away tickets for families from different backgrounds to experience football matchday experiences at Gigg Lane
We believe football should be a mirror of our town’s diversity and that starts with creating spaces where everyone feels they belong.
Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing
As part of our wider community mission, Bury FC is committed to supporting mental health through football. Our trained Mental Health First Aiders are embedded throughout the club, offering support, signposting, and a listening ear.
We also continue to work alongside national campaigns such as #YouAreEnough by the FSA and regional charities like Mind, hosting matches and events that raise awareness and funds, reduce stigma and promote wellbeing through the power of sport.
A Word from Casey Lynchey, Head of Operations at Bury FC
“We are incredibly proud to have achieved 2-Star Accreditation from the FA. It reflects the values we live by every day – inclusion, opportunity, development and a love for the game.”
“Our football pathway is something we truly believe in. From Bury Ballers and Wildcats right through to adult football, we are creating spaces for everyone to play, grow and thrive whatever their background, gender, age, ability or experience.”
“This recognition is a credit to the hard work of our volunteers, coaches, parents and players and we’re just getting started. Bury FC is more than a football club; we’re a community in motion. I really could not be any prouder!”
What’s Next?
With this accreditation in place, the future for Bury FC is brighter than ever. Our plans include:
- Expanding junior teams and coaching capacity
- Creating a strong pathway to adult football
- Launching new outreach projects in the community
- Strengthening our disability football programme
- Growing girls’ and women’s football at every level
- Hosting more inclusive events that celebrate the power of football to unite people
Get Involved
Whether you’re a parent looking for a welcoming club, a school seeking a community visit, a player wanting to develop, or a supporter who believes in community sport – Bury FC welcomes you.