Set to the west of Markland Hill, Stapleton Avenue boasts over 4.5 acres of playing space, enough to accomodate 2x 11aside pitches, 1x 9aside, 1x 7aside and 1x 5aside. The fields are kept in superb condition all year round, even when coming up against the worst weather the British winter can throw at it!

The fields were formerly part of the site of St Cuthbert’s RC Secondary School prior to its closure in 1986 to merge with Thornleigh Salesian College.

Astley Bridge FC had been based on Union Road in Tonge Valley, but a land exchange was agreed in 1996 in order to facilitate industrial development in the area, which would create hundreds of jobs. The club moved it’s four junior teams and the rest is history.

The site was also home to Baseball team, Bolton Blaze (later known as Bolton Robots of Doom) who took up residency between 2008-12.

Training

While Stapleton Avenue hosts most training sessions during the warmer months, the club’s winter blocks take place at a range of facilities across town: St Catherine’s Academy, Canon Slade, Sharples School and Thornleigh Salesian College