Over the last few years, times have already begun to change.

Football is increasingly seeking out the best talent on and off the field, regardless of race or nationality, with the appointment of a Swedish coach to the English national team being perhaps the most high-profile example.

However, back in 1998 another important appointment was made.

Hope Powell was appointed as the first-ever full-time National Coach of the women’s team. But that wasn’t the only "first" she achieved - she also became the youngest ever England coach, the first woman coach and the first black coach.

Both Hope and Sven have more in common than just "breaking the mould" - they have both been appointed on the basis that they are the best person for the job. The FA aims to take positive action - and future appointments will continue to be based on ability and not as ‘token gestures’.

That’s why The FA Board recently agreed to reshape The FA’s decision-making structure, starting with one-year co-options onto a number of Committees, to bring new talent into the administration.

In April, The FA will begin recruitment for three Committees with the aim of making them more representative of the game in general. But this won’t just mean bringing people from different ethnic backgrounds, it will also mean more women, and people with disabilities.

By the end of 2004 we will begin to extend this policy of positive action to all Committees and, ultimately, to The FA Board. At the same time we will begin a review of the role of The FA Council, and an action plan for change.

The strategy far exceeds the recommendations of the IFC and will ensure that football embraces all the people who help to make it the national game.