Sheffield United Football Club (SUFC) has launched a new project to help improve Syria's football infrastructure and enhance the performance of the national team.

A five-man delegation from the npower Championship club has visited the country as part of the programme, which hopes to capitalise on "untapped" talent and coaching potential. It is hoped the five-year project, which will be delivered by a working party formed by the travelling delegation, will improve Syria's facilities, coaching and ancillary back-up structures.

SUFC chief executive Trevor Birch said: "The timing of our delegation's visit has been carefully timed to coincide with the International break so that we do not divert important resources away from Gary Speed's and the first team's requirements. "Ensuring that this remains the case throughout the project has been a fundamental part of our negotiations leading up to the partnership."