England will spearhead a nationwide initiative to improve opportunities for young people in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country.

This week Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves launched the first of a series of 11 projects that will engage with some of the hardest hit communities worst effected by deprivation including poor housing, health, education, disability, high incidences of crime, racial and drug abuse.

This initiative forms part of the Team England Footballers Charity (TEFC) established by the players early last year following their decision to forego their England match fees to donate at least £1million to chosen charity partners ahead of the next World Cup.

The TEFC Outreach Programme initiative launched today will be jointly funded by the TEFC and the National Sports Foundation and together will work with children and young adults aged between 12-21 years to tackle a variety of social issues through football led-activities.

Ferdinand said: "We want to provide much needed opportunities and outlets for young people to benefit through football, whether that is purely participating in activities or gaining coaching qualifications to better themselves and the community they come from."

Wythenshawe Youth FC, one of the 11 projects identified by the TEFC spoke out about their new found support:

"Having established ourselves through a social inclusion scheme, we now have the opportunity to offer something back to the community. The England teams’ investment will allow us to continue as a club and expand to benefit the community and surrounding areas."

Owen Hargreaves added: "It is our hope our intervention will not only financially secure projects like Wythenshawe Youth FC but encourage future aspirations and achievements."

Jennie Price, Chief Executive of Sport England, said: "The National Sports Foundation is delighted to be teaming up with the Team England Footballers Charity to support clubs like Wythenshawe Youth F.C. The dedication of the club's volunteers - and the young people who turn up to training every week - has helped it make a real difference in South Manchester. This extra funding will see the club benefit from better coaching and create more opportunities for young people."

The TEFC is also using the players’ investment and time to support chosen charity partners including the Association of Children’s Hospices; WellChild; the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK and the Professional Footballers Association Charity Initiatives.

In addition the England team will also support the FA’s Grassroots campaign that encourages children aged between 5-11years to enter into the game for fun and to develop their skills though quality coaching.