The plans made front page news in The Times on Saturday and The FA's National Facilities Manager Steve Williams appeared on the BBC's evening news at 10.40pm on Saturday evening.

The FA has sent more than a million leaflets to schools and sports clubs warning them that home-made posts should not be used as they "have been the cause of a number of deaths and injuries".

Children have been killed and thousands more injured by unsecured goalposts in Britain.More than twenty children have been killed in America by falling posts and crossbars, and others have died in Australia, Ireland and Malta in the past twelve months.

The British Standards Institution has warned goalpost manufacturers that if their goals do not pass strict tests of strength and stability then they will not be able to display its BSI logo.

It is hoped that the threat, backed by The FA and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, will lead to companies improving their equipment.

Brenda Smith, whose son, Jonathan, died aged eleven in 1991 when a goal fell on him, has been a leading campaigner to ensure that portable posts are made secure.

Mrs Smith said: "My constant concern is that the ‘man down the street’ will continue to make home-made goalposts and take no notice of the safety guidelines.

"I would urge all parents to check goalposts before their child plays, to make sure they are safe and secure and to prevent any further needless accidents."

Goals are often freestanding and there is no legal obligation to secure them to the ground, so when children swing on them they come crashing down.

Research conducted by The FA found that 42 per cent of mini-soccer goals, 50 per cent of five-a-side goals and 22 per cent of junior goals failed stability tests.

A set of full-size metal posts blew over during an under-12s game this year at a professional football club.

If you would like a copy of The FA's Goalpost Safety leaflet, please send your full name and address, along with the quantity of leaflets you require to Emma.Clark@TheFA.com

For more information on the campaign, and to access The FA's Technical and Guidance notes, click here.