Since 2000, The FA’s Ambassadors have visited countries such as Afghanistan, Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, Iran, China and Albania.

Working in partnership with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the British Council, and a number of charities such as SOS Children’s Villages, the goodwill matches and visits have proved rewarding for all concerned.

In South Africa, a full Over-35’s team helped to raise money for the families of those that died in the Ellis Park stadium tragedy in 2002, while Wrighty’s and Brighty’s visit to Tirana ahead of England’s 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Albania brought much pleasure to disadvantaged children in one of Europe’s poorest countries.

Gary Mabbutt and Lawrie McMenemy were The FA’s Ambassadors selected for a historic visit to Afghanistan at the end of the Taliban war. Working in partnership with HM Government, they each led a team in the so-called "Game of Unity" in Kabul - the first ‘proper’ football match to be played in the country in 23 years.

This marked the start of a process which saw Afghanistan officially re-admitted as a member of FIFA. It also served to show how integral the game of football can be in helping to rebuild a country and a sense of national identity.