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Over 300 delegates attended the event and heard of The FA’s continuing determination to fight racism in football, the commitment to provide funding and opportunities for all communities and the updating of rules and regulations where they are a barrier to participation.

The morning session of the conference was presented by ITV’s football expert Robbie Earle who said: "I’m delighted to be back and to see progress has been made. No-one is saying there’s no more work to come, but clearly the messages from the last conference have been heard."

With Robbie fronting ITV’s Champions’ League football, the afternoon session of the conference was hosted by BBC Football Focus presenter Manish Bhasin.

"My role is to help ask questions and find answers. We conducted a survey on 'Focus' recently on whether players should leave the pitch if there is abuse and the response was enormous. Clearly these are issues people feel strongly about."

Jonathan Hall, The FA’s Director of Governance, opened the conference by welcoming delegates to the second Football for All event.

"Much has changed since 18 months ago in Derby," he said, "but we know there is still much to do." Jonathan repeated The FA’s condemnation of the racist chanting aimed at England players in Spain and added there would be no letting up of the 'Report Racism' campaign in England.

The FA invited Trevor Phillips, the chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality, to act as a critical friend. He praised much of the work The FA has undertaken, including applauding The FA Chairman Geoff Thompson’s role in leading the complaints to the Spanish football authorities following the chanting. Mr Phillips also supported new initiatives but said there was still work to be done in key areas.

"There are no Asian players in professional football," he said and "in the boardrooms and councils there are still virtually no non-white faces."

The FA’s Ethics and Sports Equity manager Lucy Faulkner and the Head of Football Development Kelly Simmons then spelt out some detail on progress since the last Football for All conference. Funding, representation, coaching and opportunities were all highlighted.

Following a variety of workshops, the delegates returned to hear from Manchester City and England goalkeeper David James.

"Things are better now," he said, "and personally I wouldn’t like to see players walk off the pitch because of racist abuse."

Asked about the emergence of Asian players, David said: "I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before it happens, but it has to be because of ability and talent. I’m aware of three Asian lads playing now, including at Fulham in the Premiership, so it is starting to happen."

The conference was closed by The FA’s Director of Football Development, Sir Trevor Brooking, who told the conference he was delighted with the positive reception and messages from the day.

"Part of the answer is more and better coaches in all communities," he said, "and we’re after the funding to help make that happen."