Bury Rangers FC was formed in 1965, under the guise of Hertingfordbury Rangers FC.
Prior to this, records show the village of Hertingfordbury had a football team as early as 1919/20, which was later reformed by ex-servicemen after World War II, but it was not until 1965 that the modern day club was formed. This was a single senior side, competing in the McMullen’s Football League, with home matches played at Hertingfordbury Playing Fields.
In 1970, the club dropped the Hertingford pre-fix and became simply Bury Rangers FC. Additionally they formed a second senior side and also started an U11s and an U13s team. Match venues had changed from Hertingfordbury to the McMullen Brewery pitches in Port Vale, Hertford. The club continued along this path for another 30 years, with the main representation being from the Senior First and Reserve Teams in the McMullen League and limited expansion of the Youth Teams.
In 2000, the club embarked on a plan to expand and develop the Youth section. At the time the club had approx 30 seniors and 140 youth players registered. By 2007 the club had expanded to over 300 registered members. The boys section was the biggest growth area over this period but the introduction of a girls section in 2008 has also been a big success for the club. However, this growth was also matched with a focus on standards and perhaps the biggest success was Bury Rangers FC becoming one of the first to attain the FA Charter Standard Community Club status.
The FA Charter Standard accreditation is awarded to clubs and leagues rigorously adjudged to be well-run and sustainable – and which prioritise child protection, quality coaching and implementation of the Respect programme. There are three levels of FA Charter Standard Awards for clubs and Bury Rangers FC have achieved the highest accreditation of FA Charter Standard Community Club: acknowledging the most advanced level of club development and football provision. Only a handful of clubs across Hertfordshire have achieved this recognition and Bury Rangers FC is fully committed to maintaining these standards. The FA Charter Standard status is a clear demonstration to all parents, sponsors and the public, that a club is well-organised, safe and offers opportunities for all.
Today Bury Rangers FC has grown to become one of the biggest clubs in Hertfordshire but, moreover, we are and will continue to be a friendly, well-run club.