Under 14 Attendance Policy Statement
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 wellmanaged 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 nonleague 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.