"Football is truly a global sport," explains Chairman Geoff Thompson. "The FA is committed to playing a role, extending a helping hand and building solid links around the world."

Through its international programme, The FA aims to lead by example, sharing its expertise and shaping the debate at UEFA and FIFA level by playing a full and proactive role within world football.

The FA also recognises that England’s resources and knowledge can be offered to help develop the game in less privileged football nations as well as promoting the value of football as a tool for education and social unification.

How does the International Relations Strategy achieve its objectives?

At the heart of The FA’s international strategy is The FA’s International Development Programme (IDP), which is active in every continent in the world in partnership with each football confederation: AFC (Asia), CAF (Africa), CONCACAF (North, Central America & the Caribbean), CONMEBOL (South America), UEFA (Europe) and the OFC (Oceania).

The FA’s IDP offers training for coaches, referees and football administrators, as well as sharing FA expertise in marketing and sports medicine, for example.

The FA also holds annual international refereeing, fitness, sports medicine and coaching courses in England, which attract participants from all corners of the world.