Get involved and get fit

The FA are committed to ensuring that football is accessible to everyone and has launched a number of initiatives for people to 'Get Involved'.

As Simmons explains: "Since our five-year plan was launched in 2001, we have been very pleased with the growth in people playing and getting involved in football.

"Participation in mini soccer at the under-ten age group is up 31 per cent, at junior boys level there has been a rise of 27 per cent and for girls the increase is 53 per cent.

"In the last 16 months we have also trained 30,000 coaches at Level 1 which means thousands more people qualified to run junior football clubs.

"And we have now awarded more than 2,000 kite marks to clubs to recognise their massive contribution to the local community and provide peace of mind to parents who leave their children in the club's care."

Although football is the most popular sport in the country, Simmons knows how vital it is for The FA to continue their efforts to get people involved.

"It is important for football that we try to encourage more people to play the game and get interested," she adds.

"A successful England team needs as wide a base as possible of young players coming through and even if they do not go on to be professional footballers, they will hopefully become England fans for the rest of their lives.

"It is also good for the individuals and for the Government because football is a very healthy activity and can help combat things like obesity and diabetes."

The FA advises that anybody wishing to 'Get Involved' should initially contact their local County FA for details of clubs and leagues operating in their area.

And Simmons is hoping the five-year plan continues to go from strength to strength to cope with the massive demand.

"There are thousands of clubs around the country for boys and girls, men and women, able-bodied and disabled players, but we still need more volunteers, more clubs and more leagues.

"Five years ago we could not have envisioned the amount of extra people involved in football, but we aim to keep working hard to ensure there is as much opportunity as possible for everyone to enjoy this game."

GET INVOLVED - YOUR GUIDE

The FA is responsible for the governance and development of football in England, and core to its work is the belief that everyone should have the chance to be involved in the national game.

In 2001, The FA launched a five-year Football Development Strategy to develop our national game, seeking to shape and develop innovative programmes to support and develop young people, teachers, coaches, leaders and parents.

The FA also recognises that sedentary lifestyles and obesity are a problem for this country, and is committed to working with the government and other partners to promote healthy lifestyles, and to use the power of football to achieve this wherever possible.

GET INVOLVED - Your guide on how to play your part