Councillor Mark Perks project co-ordinator for residents' group Astley Village Action submitted a bid to the Football Foundation in 2004, for setting up a football development programme to run in the village. The aim was to provide opportunities for young people in the village and surrounding area to take up football and to establish a local football club and teams.

Astley Village on the outskirts of Chorley, lacked sport facilities and offered few opportunities for young people to take up sport of any kind. This problem was further highlighted in the Autumn of 2004 when the popular youth closed was closed. This was a big disappointment to many young people in the village who attended the Monday evening club and had come to rely on the club for activities and opportunities.

The Football Foundation awarded AVA £ 5,500 in May 2004 and plans were put in place to start up a junior and senior Astley Village Juniors Football Club, based on the ages of the sessions held at the Youth Club. With the closure of the Youth Club and the loss of the Lancashire Youth and Community Services input, AVA decided it would more beneficial to begin by aiming the programme at 6 to 11 year olds.

During the first year 73 coaching and training sessions were provided in the form of Saturday morning coaching/ mini games sessions, school holiday football activities and football outreach delivered at three local primary schools. Over 1000 young people attended one or more of the activities organised.

The Football Foundation award has begun to make real positive changes in the community, proving football can play a fundamental role in building a sustainable society and forming strong links with communities. The programme has also added to the wider dimension, in the aim of starting to meet local needs in areas such as health, regeneration and social cohesion.