The Football Association (FA) has announced its biggest ever programme of investment in grassroots football.

The association has made available a £200m funding package and launched a five-year strategy which it hopes will improve provision of football across the UK.

Called the National Game Strategy 2008-2012, the new programme was launched by FA chief executive Brian Barwick, chair Lord Triesman and director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking.

The strategy identifies four key areas which the FA aims to improve standards.

It wants more people to take part in football, increase the investment in skills and coaching, and improve the quality of facilities available to clubs operating at grass root level.

It also plans to recruit more referees after the consultation leading up to the strategy revealed that nearly a third of games are played without a neutral official.

Sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe offered the scheme his backing.

He said: “Success at the very top of the game is dependent on strong foundations at the bottom, so I‘m pleased that The FA is committed to improving access to the game at all levels and focusing on player development at an early age.”

The FA consulted with more than 37,000 people when drawing up the new strategy – the largest public consultation in The FA's history.