FA Director of Football Development Trevor Brooking heralded the start of an exciting six month programme leading up to the event, and comes on the back of the January launch of the FA’s National Disability Strategy. Trevor Brooking told TheFA.com:

"In my short time at The FA, I have been impressed by the commitment to ensure that opportunities are provided for all. Everyone should have the chance to be involved in this brilliant game of ours, which has provided me with so much enjoyment in many different roles.

"I sincerely hope that the role models who play for the Partially Sighted team will inspire disabled people young and old to get involved, and that the legacy of hosting the World Championships in December will be felt positively for years to come."

The World Championships will be the largest ever disability football event to be staged in this country, between 11th - 18th December. The tournament is the fourth such event, having previously been staged in France, Brazil and Italy.

December’s event will be see the top 12 nations in the world contesting for the right to be crowned World Champions, and will feature countries such as reigning European and World Champions; Belarus, South American Champions; Brazil and hosts England.

To celebrate the launch of the competition a ‘Mini Tournament’ was organised on Tuesday, showcasing the talent of the England team, raising awareness of the event and profiling the FA’s continuing disability work.

The Mini Tournament at the Velodrome was contested between the England Partially Sighted Team, an FA Partners team, featuring local Government officals and representatives from the North West Development Agency, a National Media team and a Japanese media team.

Each side played three games each, with the National Media team managed by the Evening Standard's Michael Hart taking away the commerative trophy after their goal difference pushed the England Partially Sighted team in second place, after the two sides drew 0-0 in their fixture.

Humility was in the air when The Sun's Shaun Custis was heard to say: "We're on a par with the boys of '66 now, having won a trophy on home soil!" Pictured with Trevor Brooking fromm the left are: Sam Wallace (Telegraph), Glenn Moore (Independent), Richard Tanner (Express), Henry Winter (Telegraph), Shaun Custis (Sun), Matt Dickinson (Times), Dom McGuinness (Talk Sport)

Partially Sighted or Visually Impaired football is a 5 a side game played indoors on a special Futsal court. The Rules, which are mainly FIFA approved, Futsal regulations are adapted slightly due to the player’s impairment.

The World Championships follow the successful staging of the European Blind Championships held at the same venue last July where England finished runners up to an impressive Spanish team.

One of the key features of the event in December will be a comprehensive Legacy Programme for further grass roots disability football development which is underpinned by the FA Disability Strategy.

The Championships draw is due to be held in October, and former Northern Ireland Youth International, Stephen Daley, who is captain of the England side said:

""I feel proud and honoured to captain England at any time, but it will be extra special to captain England in our home country for a major international tournament in front of our home fans. It is a great opportunity for the players and the squad to raise the profile of partially sighted football and continue the festival of football for England fans on the back of the Euro Championships for the senior squad. 

"Like any England team we have high expectations, but it is essential that we get the same support from the fans. A number of the players have played at a high level before and we know how vital it is. Some people dream to be England captain, but I am living my dream".

The tournament will be staged by the Manchester FA, who are already recruiting an army of volunteers, and more information, including ticketing details when available, will be available from the Manchester FA and TheFA.com.