The new investment forms a major part of Sport England's fourth wave of transitional funding, freed up as a result of the modernisation programme recently undertaken by the organisation.

The funding will support the work being undertaken by The FA on long term player development at grassroots levels, a review of coach education, equity and inclusion and the training and support of the football volunteers.

Roger Draper, chief executive of Sport England, said: "This investment in football, one of Sport England's priority sports, will support and continue the work being done by The FA to improve accessibility and participation at all levels of the sport.

"We are determined to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to get into and stay in sport, and are delighted to support bodies such as The FA, that are helping us to make that happen.

"We are delivering more money into frontline sports and this announcement comes on the back of substantial Sport England investment in football, in the last 12 months, including a recent £9.4million investment over three years from the Community Club Development Programme."

Mark Palios, Chief Executive of The FA, said: "The FA are delighted with the award from Sport England as recognition of the contribution football can make to the health and well-being of the nation.

"The investment will enable The FA to build on our successful football development programmes which are delivering significant increases in the quantity and quality of participation.

"Since 2001 we have seen a 21% increase in boys football and a 53% increase in girls football."

Notes:

  • Sport England is the strategic lead for sport in England. Sport England distributes Lottery and Exchequer funds to sport. It is Sport England’s vision to make England the most active and successful sporting nation in the world.
  • The FA's Football Development Strategy, launched in 2001 aims to provide the overall strategic framework for football development in England during the next five-year period.