The FA is backing the One 2 One Ability Counts scheme, matching the amount One 2 One are putting up and committing resources for the initial three-year scheme. The Institute of Sports Sponsorship, through its Sportsmatch scheme, is also committed to the scheme, which will be run and administered by the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS), the national organisation responsible for the development of sport for the disabled in England.

"The FA aims to maximise participation, increase opportunities and increase the quality of support available for players, fans, administrators, officials and coaches," explained Adam Crozier, the new chief executive of The Football Association at the launch in central London. "Football is the national game and should be available to the whole nation, regardless of ability or disability."

As well as financial support, the main thrust of The Football Association's involvement at the grassroots level will be in offering specialist coaching courses and qualifications specifically as those wanting to coach disabled players. According to EFDS figures, of the 554 full and part-time Football in the Community coaches, only seven per cent have so far received specific training in coaching players. Given these figures, it is hardly surprising that only 17 per cent of professional clubs provide opportunities for disabled adults (aged over 16) to play football.

At the national level, The FA want to establish a proper competitive structure based on club competitions and regional tournaments. This, in turn, should, lead to the development of regional squad with a clear path for the best players to progress to the national team.

At the moment, disabled football in England suffers from the absence of any structured development plan, both locally and nationally. With very few clubs affiliating to their County Football Associations and even fewer leagues catering exclusively for the disabled, players have had to resort to informal games with other disabled players. Many have been lost to football for good.

This scheme aims to change that by making use of the existing professional club structure and encouraging the clubs, many of whom have already made great strides in community work, to extend this to the disabled.

Research carried out by the EFDS last year showed that of 90 clubs in the Premiership and Football League, only six per cent currently make provision for players with disabilities. More positively, 98 per cent said they would be prepared to take part in the One 2 One Ability Counts scheme. It is this enthusiasm The FA hopes to build on.

Manchester United have taken the lead, the club's community officers holding a coaching day for disabled players on 16 February. Charlton, Bristol and Everton have also committed themselves to the scheme and to making sure it is the ability not the disability which counts.