In March, The FA and McDonald's, The FA’s Community Partner, teamed up with the youth volunteering charity 'v' in an innovative partnership to offer leadership and volunteering opportunities through football.

‘v’ was established following the Government’s Russell Commission, aimed at increasing the number of young volunteers throughout society.

This new partnership has provided The FA with the funding to recruit over 300 new coaches aged between 16 and 25. These coaches have been deployed within clubs, schools and youth organisations and will deliver at least one year of voluntary coaching.

The FA aims to recruit 600 more coaches by 2011.

"This is a tremendous example of partnership," said FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick. "The elite level of the game may generate the headlines but 99 per cent of our national game is played at the grassroots.

"At many clubs, it is typically just one or two people who volunteer to do everything from organising the fixtures, to running the training sessions and washing the kit. This scheme will build on existing FA volunteering programmes which are vital to keeping the sport alive at this level."

The volunteers had the opportunity to attend a FA Level 1 Coaching course and for those already Level 1 qualified, volunteers could move on to Level 2 and 3 coaching badges.

These 300 coaches will meet at Keele University on 13 September for a two day conference with members of FA staff.

They will receive mentoring and guidance from - amongst others - The FA’s Assistant National Goalkeeping Coach, Martin Thomas, Steve Daley from the England Partially Sighted team and Les Howie, The FA’s National Football Development Manager.

Brian Barwick and The FA Chairman, Lord Triesman, will also be in attendance.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for young football enthusiasts to get involved in the game and give something back to their local community," said Howie.

"The partnership we have with ‘v’ has allowed 300 young people to increase their knowledge of the game and make a commitment to grassroots football, which is invaluable.

"Hopefully, the two days at Keele will encourage them to continue their good work and will provide them with some useful tips to improve their coaching."

If you are interested in coaching and want to get involved, contact your local County FA or visit the ‘v; website, www.wearev.com