The money will be spent on improving football facilities in schools.

More than half the cash will go directly to the most deprived parts of England.

The distributor of lottery cash, the New Opportunities Fund, made the announcement on Wednesday.

Sport, particularly football, can play a huge part in encouraging healthier lifestyles

Peter Lee Football Foundation

More than 20,000 English primary and secondary schools will be able to apply for grants worth up to £1m for improving pitches and equipment.

The scheme is run by the Football Foundation, which is a community charity supported by the government and Football Association.

It is hoped the move will help unearth the future stars of English football and improve the health of all schoolchildren.

Football Foundation chief executive Peter Lee said: "Children deserve the opportunity to expand their potential, not necessarily to be the best but simply to enjoy our nation's favourite game.

'Aid for learning'

"This welcome funding package will go a long way to ensuring the next generation of footballers have access to some of the most modern facilities the game has to offer.

"Sport, particularly football, can play a huge part in encouraging healthier lifestyles, enhancing personal development and acting as an aid for learning."

NOF chief executive Stephen Dunmore said: "This new scheme is part of the fund's PE and sport programme which aims to bring about a step-change in the provision of sporting facilities for schools and communities.

Wayne Rooney scored a Premiership goal aged 16

"By working in partnership with the Football Foundation, we are moving closer to achieving this goal and helping to build a more inclusive and healthier society."

England captain David Beckham may be the biggest star in British football, but a teenage footballer is stealing some of the limelight.

Wayne Rooney, has been the talk of English football in the past few weeks.

And the 17-year-old Everton player could become the youngest England player if he is capped in the next 14 months.