The FA has been consulted throughout the process, along with the other major sports governing bodies, and Sport England has clearly listened.

In addition to simplifying the funding of grassroots sport, football welcomes the ongoing support for the Football Foundation. The Football Foundation is the UK's largest sports charity funded by the Premier League, The FA and the Government, and has delivered thousands of facility and community projects, as well as free kit and safe goalposts, since its launch in July 2000.

The FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick said: “Sport England’s new direction is good news for grassroots sport. Sport is a real passion in this country and there is a lot to be done to capitalise on that passion. 

"We have recently launched our own FA Vision for the next four years and the ambitions fit well together – more and better players, improved facilities and running the game effectively all feature in both strategies. We now have to work together with Sport England to deliver the results and I am confident we can do that.”

Football Foundation CEO Paul Thorogood said: "The Football Foundation already has the evidence to show that we can increase participation and we welcome these far reaching changes that will result in a much needed reduction in bureaucratic barriers that have hindered real progress in the past.

"The Football Foundation and all the NGBs will be allowed the flexibility to get on with doing what we do best, providing essential strategic investment to continue to deliver much needed improvements to our nation’s sporting infrastructure.

"We look forward to helping the Secretary of State and the Minister of Sport to deliver their ambitious vision, whilst working in partnership with Sport England to ensure that every penny that goes into sport is spent to maximum effect."