Volunteers at Bury FC have created a veteran’s lounge to try and forge a community element to the club.
Since being back at Gigg Lane, Bury FC has gone through some major changes over the years including a new team, new manager and new pitch as well as this new lounge.
Volunteer Michael Kavanagh has been one of the people working on setting up the military veteran’s lounge where veterans can go to before and after the match as well as half time.
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Michael said: “They can have a drink or something to eat and we want it to be welcoming and inviting.
“As Bury has a big history with the military, we think it’s really important.
“We want to make it a special place where veterans can come in not just on match day but we’re looking at other times too where it can be used as a drop-in centre where they can have some company and have a chat with people.”
Michael said that he used to be in the Royal Navy and has been a lifelong Bury FC fan.
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He said: “Everyone is trying to do what they can to help the club get into a really good place.
“We realised there’s other people who are involved in the military and people who have left the army.
“We got talking and there used to be more drop-in centres for them around town but there doesn’t seem to be any anymore.
“We thought wouldn’t it be fantastic if we can extend this to Bury FC and to help create a community identity for Bury FC.”
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Events that veterans can get involved with are also being considered.
Michael added: “Walking football has been mentioned, as we’re all of a certain age, you’re encouraged to keep active so we’re eager to set up walking football where we can use the new pitch and people can get some exercise.”
The lounge will officially be opened in the next few weeks, as the finishing touches are being added.
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