Chelsea’s groundbreaking Search for an Asian Soccer Star is back and this year is bigger and better.
Two of last year’s Asian Stars have now gone on to sign for professional clubs and this year Chelsea will be offering six lucky players the chance to win a week-long trial at their world famous Academy.
Once again the club has teamed up with the Asian Media Group and Kick it Out to support the tournament which will take place on the second May Bank Holiday Weekend (29-31) for players from Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi backgrounds aged 8 to 13 years old.
Participants will be judged on a series of matches and tests specifically designed and used by the Chelsea Academy to examine speed, skill and ability.
One player from each age group will be selected for a week’s training with the Chelsea Academy squads during the summer with any player meeting the required standard being offered the chance to be signed by the Blues.
The initiative is the first of its kind ever undertaken by a professional football club and is designed to give a much needed boost to Asian participation at all levels of the game.
Last year’s initiative saw 350 young people attending the Cobham training ground and the three winning players training and turning out for Chelsea teams during the summer. Two of last year’s winners have since gone to be signed by Leyton Orient and Southend. “Last year was a massive success with two of the boys going from Sunday League football to play for professional clubs,” said Simon Taylor Chelsea’s Head of CSR. “We want this year’s tournament to be bigger and better so we have doubled the amount of age groups and trials on offer. The scheme is not just about finding the next Anelka, Drogba or Lampard, it is about breaking down barriers, showing Asian players that opportunities at all levels of the game do exist and encouraging them to maximise their potential.” Chelsea will also be inviting managers, coaches and scouts from clubs at all levels of the game to identify talented youngsters and information will also be on hand for Asian players to find clubs in their area.
Kalpesh R Solanki, Group Managing Editor of Asian Media & Marketing Group (AMG) said: “Asian Media & Marketing Group (AMG) are proud to be associated with Chelsea in their search for an Asian Soccer Star. The Asian community has become involved in many fields over the years but the involvement of Asians in football is scarce and we all need to work together and encourage more involvement from the community.
Piara Powar, Director of Kick It Out added: “"We fully endorse the Search for an Asian Star initiative. The outcomes from the 2009 initiative demonstrate how a project like this can break down stereotypes, and give genuine opportunities in the professional game for talented young Asian players."
"The Chelsea scheme uses the best that the club can offer to reach out to the best talent in a way that gives other young Asians the encouragement to believe that there is a place in the game for them."
Two of last year’s Asian Stars have now gone on to sign for professional clubs and this year Chelsea will be offering six lucky players the chance to win a week-long trial at their world famous Academy.
Once again the club has teamed up with the Asian Media Group and Kick it Out to support the tournament which will take place on the second May Bank Holiday Weekend (29-31) for players from Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi backgrounds aged 8 to 13 years old.
Participants will be judged on a series of matches and tests specifically designed and used by the Chelsea Academy to examine speed, skill and ability.
One player from each age group will be selected for a week’s training with the Chelsea Academy squads during the summer with any player meeting the required standard being offered the chance to be signed by the Blues.
The initiative is the first of its kind ever undertaken by a professional football club and is designed to give a much needed boost to Asian participation at all levels of the game.
Last year’s initiative saw 350 young people attending the Cobham training ground and the three winning players training and turning out for Chelsea teams during the summer. Two of last year’s winners have since gone to be signed by Leyton Orient and Southend. “Last year was a massive success with two of the boys going from Sunday League football to play for professional clubs,” said Simon Taylor Chelsea’s Head of CSR. “We want this year’s tournament to be bigger and better so we have doubled the amount of age groups and trials on offer. The scheme is not just about finding the next Anelka, Drogba or Lampard, it is about breaking down barriers, showing Asian players that opportunities at all levels of the game do exist and encouraging them to maximise their potential.” Chelsea will also be inviting managers, coaches and scouts from clubs at all levels of the game to identify talented youngsters and information will also be on hand for Asian players to find clubs in their area.
Kalpesh R Solanki, Group Managing Editor of Asian Media & Marketing Group (AMG) said: “Asian Media & Marketing Group (AMG) are proud to be associated with Chelsea in their search for an Asian Soccer Star. The Asian community has become involved in many fields over the years but the involvement of Asians in football is scarce and we all need to work together and encourage more involvement from the community.
Piara Powar, Director of Kick It Out added: “"We fully endorse the Search for an Asian Star initiative. The outcomes from the 2009 initiative demonstrate how a project like this can break down stereotypes, and give genuine opportunities in the professional game for talented young Asian players."
"The Chelsea scheme uses the best that the club can offer to reach out to the best talent in a way that gives other young Asians the encouragement to believe that there is a place in the game for them."
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