About Atherton Collieries

Atherton Collieries are based in Atherton, Greater Manchester, and were formed in 1916 by miners from the town's collieries. Nicknamed the Colls, they play at the Dreams2Reality Stadium — historically Alder House — and compete in the Northern Premier League West for 2026/27.

The club won Northern Premier League Division One West in 2018–19 and the Premier Division title in 2016–17. After a spell in the NPL Premier Division they were relegated back to Division One West in 2023–24.

Crowdfunded ground improvements in 2020 added covered seating, terracing and improved disabled cover. The ground is easily reached by train and bus from Manchester and Bolton.

Quick Facts

Full Name: Atherton Collieries Association Football Club

Nickname: Colls

Founded: 1916

Stadium: Dreams2Reality Stadium

Capacity: 2,500

Location: Atherton

League: Northern Premier League West

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Stadium Information

Stadium Name

Dreams2Reality Stadium

Address

Dreams2Reality Stadium

Alder Street

Atherton

Greater Manchester

M46 9EY

Capacity

2,500

Surface

Grass

Stadium History & Features

Atherton Collieries were established in 1916 to raise funds for locals involved in the First World War effort. They won the Bolton Combination in their first season and became one of the competition's most successful clubs, also winning the Lancashire FA Amateur Shield a record six times.

The club have played at Alder House since formation. Floodlights were installed in 1994, a lean-to stand was demolished in 2007, and supporter-funded works in 2020 added new covered terracing, a disabled viewing area, and refreshment facilities ahead of higher-level football.

Away Fan Seating

No fixed away allocation is published on Wikipedia or athertoncollieries.co.uk. High-profile fixtures may be all-ticket — check match previews before you travel.

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Getting to Dreams2Reality Stadium

By Train

Atherton station is about 0.6 miles from the ground. From Manchester Victoria, take a Kirkby, Southport or Wigan service via Walkden or Atherton. From Manchester Piccadilly, walk to Victoria or change at Salford Crescent.

From Wigan, use Wigan Wallgate for Manchester-via-Atherton services. From Liverpool, travel to Wigan North Western and walk to Wigan Wallgate for the same line.

By Bus

The V2 guided bus runs from Manchester city centre to Atherton. From Bolton, the 582 from Moor Lane Bus Station takes around 20 minutes; the nearest stop to the ground is outside ASDA on Bolton Road.

Walking from Atherton station

Exit the station, cross at the lights outside Poppies, turn right down Bolton Road, then left down Bolton Old Road past St Philip's Primary School. Continue past the cotton mill to the Rope & Anchor Pub, follow the bend, turn left down Alderfold Street and the rear of the ground is ahead.

Travel Tip

Limited parking is first come, first served — Atherton Collieries encourage public transport where possible, especially for sold-out fixtures.

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Parking Information

There is only limited parking around the Dreams2Reality Stadium on a first come, first served basis. Atherton Collieries encourage supporters to use public transport where possible and to show courtesy to neighbours when parking locally.

On-site parking

Limited spaces around the ground on a first come, first served basis. Check athertoncollieries.co.uk match notices for busy fixtures.

Street parking

Some on-street parking exists nearby. The club ask all supporters to park responsibly and respect local residents.

Important Parking Advice

Use official or recommended parking where possible. Always check signs and do not block residents' driveways.

Pubs and Bars

The Rope & Anchor Pub is named on athertoncollieries.co.uk walking directions from Atherton station as a landmark on the approach to the ground.

Rope & Anchor Pub

Location: Bolton Old Road, Atherton

Distance: Short walk from station route

Named on athertoncollieries.co.uk walking directions from Atherton station — follow the road past the pub and turn left down Alderfold Street to reach the rear of the ground.

Pub Tips for Away Fans

Be respectful and follow any steward or pub instructions. Policies can change by fixture.

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Food and Dining Options

Inside the Stadium

The Dreams2Reality Stadium has a clubhouse bar and two outdoor refreshment facilities, per Wikipedia and athertoncollieries.co.uk ground information.

  • Hot Food: Matchday kiosks where available
  • Drinks: Soft drinks and, where permitted, alcohol

Near the Stadium

Atherton

Check local listings in Atherton for cafes and restaurants.

Atherton

Atherton has a range of dining options — check local listings for matchday opening times.

Need a hotel?

Staying overnight? Here are some of the highest-rated hotels near Dreams2Reality Stadium on Google. For more options, get more venues on the Follow Away App.

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Ticket Information

Buying Tickets

Buy at cash or card turnstiles on standard league fixtures, or email Rob@AthertonCollieries.co.uk for season tickets. Some high-profile games are ticket-only — check athertoncollieries.co.uk match previews.

Ticket Prices

Atherton Collieries fixture previews commonly list Adults £10, Concessions/students £7, Under 18s £4, accompanied Under 11s/1916 Club members free. 2026/27 season tickets are £170 adults and £120 concessions/students. Check athertoncollieries.co.uk for current pricing.

Important Ticket Information

  • Prefer official club channels or your own club's ticket office
  • Photo ID may be required for collection or entry
  • Never buy from touts or unofficial sources
  • Check sale dates and any segregation notices before you travel

Matchday Tips for Away Fans

Before the Match

  • Arrive Early: Allow time for travel, parking and security checks.
  • Transport: Check rail and bus operators for any matchday changes.

At the Stadium

  • Security: Bags may be searched; allow time at the turnstiles.
  • Seating: Follow stewards to the correct area for the fixture.
  • Facilities: Toilets and kiosks are usually in the concourses or clubhouse.

After the Match

  • Exiting: There may be a short hold-back. Follow steward instructions.
  • Transport: Allow extra time for the journey back.

General Advice

  • Cash & Cards: Many grounds accept contactless; some still prefer cash — check the club site.
  • Respect: Be respectful to home fans, stewards and local residents.

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