Former Manchester City youth player Courtney Meppen-Walter dies aged 32

Former Bury defender Courtney Meppen-Walter, who began his football journey in Manchester City’s academy and represented England at youth level, has died at the age of 32.

Bury FC announced the news on Tuesday, The Sun reported. In a statement, the club said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Courtney Meppen-Walter, at the age of 32. The thoughts and condolences of everyone at #buryfc are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.” The club shared a black-and-white photo of Meppen-Walter from when he signed, emblazoned with the words “Once a Shaker, always a Shaker”, the Bury Times reported.

No details have been released regarding the circumstances of his death.

Meppen-Walter was born in Bury and joined Manchester City’s academy at the age of nine. He progressed through the youth ranks before representing England at Under-17 and Under-18 level, captaining the Under-17 side. He went on to play professionally for Carlisle United before a lengthy career in non-league football with clubs including Ashton United, Stockport County, Glossop North End, Chorley, AFC Telford United, Radcliffe, Guiseley and Stalybridge Celtic. He joined Bury from Nantwich Town in December 2024 and was released last summer.

Tributes poured in from across the non-league football community. Nantwich Town chairman Jon Gold said: “Courtney was a larger than life character with the biggest heart and he quickly became loved by both the Dabbers faithful and his fellow players, who all looked up to his inspirational leadership.”

Sources

• The Sun, “Courtney Meppen-Walter dead at 32: Ex-Man City star dies as heartbroken former club Bury pay tribute”, 29 September 2026
• Bury Times, “Tributes after ex-Bury defender Courtney Meppen-Walter dies aged 32”, 29 September 2026
• Not Really Here Media, “Courtney Meppen-Walter dies aged 32”, 29 September 2026