The sport, which is an adaption of football for athletes with cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders, is one of UK’s fastest growing sports and with a huge partisan crowd in attendance, Britain went ahead after just 10 minutes as Ellis smashed home a low right-footed drive from six yards out.

Ellis' strike, however, proved the only goal in a fast paced match which the US, who hit the woodwork three times, were perhaps unfortunate to lose.

Despite playing the better football in the first half and forcing some fantastic saves from US keeper Keith Johnson, Britain were penned in by the visitors in the second and Jeff Davis, the FA’s Performance Director for Disability Football and Britain’s head coach for the event, admitted that his side were disappointed with their performance despite the win.

Davis told insideworldparasport: "I’m delighted that we made a winning start to the tournament but I’m not so delighted by the way we played.

"We had a game plan before the match that we didn’t really stick to but all credit to the Americans who were absolutely outstanding.

"I think a lot of players, especially some of the younger ones, were a bit nervous at playing on such a big stage in front of a huge crowd but its all about getting that experience ahead of London 2012 and it is great that we can promote our sport at an event that is as popular and well supported as this."

Ellis, the goalscorer, added: "It is fantastic that so many people have turned up to watch us today as it makes it really special for the players and helps people realise how high the standard is in this competition."

Goalkeeper Jordan Raynes, who captained the British team, said: "We are pleased with the win but we didn’t play anywhere near the standard that we can produce and we must be a lot better tomorrow when we take on the Netherlands."

In the day’s second game, top seeds the Netherlands were held 2-2 by Ireland in a thrilling match.

The Netherlands' Dennis Straatman and Ireland’s Paul Dollard grabbed two goals apiece for their sides although Ireland were unlucky not to cause the upset after they hit both posts in the final two minutes of the game.

Dollard said: "It was a solid start for each but we now have to start looking ahead to the rest of the week where we have some very tough games ahead."

Ireland will now take on the US in the first of tomorrow's matches before Britain meet the Netherlands in a mouth-watering clash.

Friday (May 28) will see Britain face Ireland and the US play the Netherlands as the group stages draw to a climax while the final, as well as the bronze medal match, will conclude the tournament on Saturday.

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