As the national governing body for football, The FA is responsible for the governance, administration and development of the traditional eleven-a-side format, mini soccer for children and small sided football, which includes five-a-side, six-a-side, seven-a-side and futsal.

Four million people now play small sided football in England and The FA is currently introducing an award scheme to promote a quality standard for the sport. Assessors are needed to conduct inspections and mystery visits of centres, and their assessment will be used to determine whether a centre will receive the award from The FA.

The aim of The FA small sided football award is to aid the continued development of the sport by offering recognition and benefits to those providers that attain the quality standards. It is also intended that the programme will promote best practice guidelines for centres and tournament organisers, enhance the awareness and profile of small sided football, and encourage participation opportunities for all players, referees and coaches.

To achieve the award a provider will be monitored by self-assessment, inspections and mystery visits, using criteria that assess both the facility and the management of the centre. Further information about small sided football is available here.

Successful applicants will receive training at The FA's headquarters in London

Assessments will be conducted at small sided football centres during weekday evenings or weekends. Assessors will be classified as casual staff and the role will require travel, for which reasonable expenses will be paid.

A recruitment pack can be obtained by emailing Justine.O'Donahoe@TheFA.com . The initial training day is scheduled for 15 February 2005 and applications wishing to be considered for this date must submit their applications by 4 February 2005.

The Football Association is an equal opportunities employer.