Graeme Le Saux believes the club's search for an Asian soccer star is going to reap some impressive rewards this weekend.
As many youngsters with Asian backgrounds prepare to take part in this weekend's event at our Cobham training ground, former Blue Le Saux is excited by the prospect.
'We're creating a wonderful opportunity for people to come and see what the club has to offer,' said Le Saux, 'and it's on the bank holiday weekend so it's going to be great and a full house.
'Last year there were two players who achieved professional contracts and the turnout was phenomenal.
'So this year we are just saying, come along, experience it, enjoy the facilities, and if you're good enough there's a chance you could come and join the Academy.'
It's any young footballer's dream to become part of the Chelsea youth system and this weekend aspiring players from the Asian community will be judged on a series of matches and tests.
Each test is designed specifically by the Chelsea Academy to examine speed, skill and ability.
Players from Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi backgrounds between the ages of eight and 13 will take part in this weekend's initiative, as six lucky players strive for the chance of winning a week-long trial with 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.
'We are the first club to create this specific opportunity and it's great,' added Le Saux.
'It was so successful last year; the rewards and the energy that went into it were phenomenal, now we want it to be as successful this year.'
Chelsea Football Club's Search for an Asian Soccer Star campaign is delighted to have signed up leading Asian Channel Zee TV as a supporter of the campaign.
'Being a pioneer in showcasing new young talent, Zee is committed to initiatives that allow Asian youth an opportunity to perform at a national level. Zee is proud to support Chelsea's Asian Soccer Star program and hopes more of the country's leading clubs follow with similar schemes. This is undoubtedly a commendable program and Zee will do what it can to encourage its young stars,' said Govind Shahi, business head, Zee Europe.
Head of CSR at Chelsea Simon Taylor said: 'It's fantastic news that Zee TV have agreed to support the campaign and we welcome them on board.
'For a leading channel like Zee to sign up to the campaign shows how far the Asian Soccer Star program has progressed in just one year and we look forward to repeating the success of last year.'
As many youngsters with Asian backgrounds prepare to take part in this weekend's event at our Cobham training ground, former Blue Le Saux is excited by the prospect.
'We're creating a wonderful opportunity for people to come and see what the club has to offer,' said Le Saux, 'and it's on the bank holiday weekend so it's going to be great and a full house.
'Last year there were two players who achieved professional contracts and the turnout was phenomenal.
'So this year we are just saying, come along, experience it, enjoy the facilities, and if you're good enough there's a chance you could come and join the Academy.'
It's any young footballer's dream to become part of the Chelsea youth system and this weekend aspiring players from the Asian community will be judged on a series of matches and tests.
Each test is designed specifically by the Chelsea Academy to examine speed, skill and ability.
Players from Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi backgrounds between the ages of eight and 13 will take part in this weekend's initiative, as six lucky players strive for the chance of winning a week-long trial with 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.
'We are the first club to create this specific opportunity and it's great,' added Le Saux.
'It was so successful last year; the rewards and the energy that went into it were phenomenal, now we want it to be as successful this year.'
Chelsea Football Club's Search for an Asian Soccer Star campaign is delighted to have signed up leading Asian Channel Zee TV as a supporter of the campaign.
'Being a pioneer in showcasing new young talent, Zee is committed to initiatives that allow Asian youth an opportunity to perform at a national level. Zee is proud to support Chelsea's Asian Soccer Star program and hopes more of the country's leading clubs follow with similar schemes. This is undoubtedly a commendable program and Zee will do what it can to encourage its young stars,' said Govind Shahi, business head, Zee Europe.
Head of CSR at Chelsea Simon Taylor said: 'It's fantastic news that Zee TV have agreed to support the campaign and we welcome them on board.
'For a leading channel like Zee to sign up to the campaign shows how far the Asian Soccer Star program has progressed in just one year and we look forward to repeating the success of last year.'
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