Aston Villa winger Marc Albrighton has thrown his weight behind The FA Mars ‘Just Play’ programme.

Budding adult footballers will get the opportunity to have a free kickabout next week in one of the 120 ‘Just Play’ centres across the country, and Albrighton is fully supportive of the scheme.

He said: “It would be great if a lot of players got involved.

“Once they get a taste for football again, or even if it’s for the first time, hopefully that will encourage them to play regularly - every week or every fortnight, whatever they can manage.

“I think it’s a brilliant idea.”

Albrighton first played football with his dad in the garden of his Tamworth home. He then joined a local team before being picked up by Villa.

Football has clearly played a big part in his life, but he understands the obstacles that prevent adults from enjoying the game on a casual basis.

The former England Under-21 midfielder added: “I know there are lot of adults out there who love the game but they just don’t get the time to play, be that because of work or their family life, so things like this ‘Just Play’ programme are excellent.

“They will get the chance to come down and have a kickabout with their mates and I’m sure they’ll enjoy it.”

The FA and Mars launched the 'Just Play' programme in June last year as they attempted to arrest the decline in adult football by providing facilities, organisers and an online tool that allows players to take part in casual football at a time that suits them.

Over 120 'Just Play' centres will open their doors to adult footballers of all ages and abilities for one week starting 8 October. More than 150 free sessions will take place around England during the ‘Just Play Free for One Week’ initiative.

'Just Play' has also helped contribute to a wider growth in adult football participation, with 178,000 more adults playing football since 2008. This surpasses the initial target of 150,000 more players by September 2013.