Sir Trevor Brooking, The FA’s Director of Football Development, unveiled the new programme of courses at Soho Square and says they clearly demonstrate how education can be used to raise standards in key areas of the game.

“They have been designed to be interactive and to enable people to progress at their own pace,” said the former West Ham United midfielder.

”Football coaching must move with the times and governing bodies such as The FA must enable students to access courses in the easiest and most appropriate format. For many people, that means the internet.”

FA Learning, the educational division of The FA, is building on the success of its first online course – Psychology for Soccer, which had over 2,000 students in its first year - with 11 new courses aimed at a whole host of areas.

Anyone with internet access, coaches, parents, fans and players at all levels, can learn about the vital parts of football such as the laws of the game, coaching, child protection and fitness.

With a busy online community eager to exchange thoughts the learning experience is anything but remote. Students are allocated a tutor who can be contacted through a discussion forum.

One of the tutors, Roger Soper, an A Licence Coach, explained more: “It’s a great environment for coaches who already have qualifications and for those interested in taking their first steps.

”You can do it at home, so if you're pushed for time, or are a little shy about doing full courses, it’s an ideal place to learn and gain qualifications in football and build confidence.

”Any problems that arise while they go through their modules, they can go into the online forum, speak with their tutor and also the other students undertaking the course and bounce ideas off each other.”

Over 5,000 people have already pre-registered and in the first week of the new online fitness course going live more than 150 students have enrolled.

Students who complete courses will receive an FA Learning certificate that can be used to help qualify for other FA Learning courses, or just to enhance their understanding of key aspects of the game.

The shorter courses take just a few hours to complete while the more detailed qualifications take up to 15 hours to complete and students will be allowed at least six months to complete each course.

For more information about the FA Learning online courses and all other qualifications, click here.