A football club based in Lancashire is welcoming one of the 90s biggest and best-loved boybands to its stadium this weekend in what’s promising to be the start of an exciting collaboration between the two.

Original Boyzone members, Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy, will head to Chorley Football Club’s Victory Park on Saturday as the team, nicknamed the Magpies, take on Solihull Moors in the fifth round of the FA Trophy.  

Pop sensations, Ronan, Shane and Keith are believed to be good friends with Chorley FC’s new owners, which include Prince Yemoh of Reset Events Ltd, and nine other people.

And the visit also marks the start of an exciting collaboration between the club and the boyband favourites, whose hits include No Matter What, Picture of You, and Love Me For a Reason.

A statement released by the community arm of the National League North side, the Magpies Trust, on Tuesday morning (February 7), announced that as part of ongoing discussions, Boyzone could potentially become the new face of the Chorley FC, bringing with them a huge financial backing.

The statement in full reads: “We couldn't be more thrilled to share some truly exciting news that will undoubtedly ignite a wave of enthusiasm throughout Chorley Football Club and beyond.

“We have just confirmed that world renowned, Boyzone, will be joining us for our upcoming home game against Solihull in the FA Trophy this weekend.

“This collaboration with Boyzone is part of ongoing discussions that could potentially see them becoming the face of Chorley FC.

“This is a game-changer that has the potential to bring our town into the limelight like never before, generating a buzz and publicity that will shine a bright light on Chorley.

“We are bursting with excitement and gratitude for this incredible opportunity. Boyzone's presence at the game will undoubtedly create an electric atmosphere, filled with music, joy, and a shared love for football and community.

“Now, we need your support to make this news reach every corner of our community.

“Please share this incredible update with your readers, followers, and fellow community members, so that everyone can be part of this extraordinary event. Let's come together, united in our passion for Chorley FC and the amazing possibilities that lie ahead.

“Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our negotiations. We firmly believe that this partnership with Boyzone has the potential to take Chorley FC to new heights, firmly establishing our town as a force to be reckoned with.

“Thank you for your support and dedication to Chorley Football Club.

“Together, let's make history and showcase the true spirit of our community!”

Chorley FC currently compete in the National League North, the sixth tier of English football, and play their home matches at Victory Park.  

Last year, the club was taken over by Reset Events Ltd, a catering and marketing firm which is owned by Prince Yemoh, with previous owners Ken Wright and Grahan Watkinson stepping down.

In November, Chorley FC appointed a new commercial director, Jeff Clarke, who joined the club in December 2021 as commercial manager.

A former director at Chorley FC, Glen Hutchinson, said: “Boyzone are very close friends with the owners of the club and they’re hopefully going to be at Victory Park more and more, with an aim to becoming involved at a higher level.

“There’s going to be big things coming to Chorley FC, with Boyzone supporting their owner friends and using their wealth of popularity to assist Chorley FC in growing.

“This is a massive opportunity for the club, and we hope fans and supporters of Boyzone will head to the game on Saturday and to home games going forward.”