Chelsea's initiative of trying to find an Asian
football star will see them hold trials between 29 and 31
May.
It is the scheme's second year and six players will get the
chance to win a week-long trial at the club's academy.
The tournament is open to Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and
Bangladeshi players aged between eight and 13.
"This is a huge opportunity to come to Chelsea and enjoy the
best coaches and the best training ground,' said Blues boss Carlo
Ancelotti.
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"Everyone with a love for the game should sign up and see what
they can do.
"It will be great fun and a good way to make new friends and who
knows, perhaps one day we will see one of them at Chelsea."
Chelsea launched the first project of this kind last year and
have increased the number of places available on the week-long
trial from three to six.
The Stamford Bridge outfit had 350 participants at their Cobham
training ground in 2009, with two of the winners having been signed
by Southend United and Leyton Orient.
"My life has changed quite a bit after winning the trials,"
Jordan Sidhu, who was signed on a youth contract by Southend
United, told BBC Asian Network.
"I'm now playing a high standard of football and am happy that
I've got a chance to realise my dream of becoming a professional
footballer."
The youngster explained that he only entered because of his
mum.
"I came home from school and my mum said she had signed me up
for a competition," he added. "I didn't expect anything from it but
I went along and ended up winning it.
"The trials are very good because they are a lot different from
what I was used to. There were big training grounds, nice
facilities and I met Florent Malouda, Petr Cech, Nicolas Anelka and
other Chelsea players.
"At first I was a bit starstruck, but I got used to it."
Chelsea have teamed up with Asian Media Group, Kick It Out and
bhangra singer Jaz Dhami to help get the Asian community
involved.
"I have been working very closely with a number of sporting
bodies in encouraging more Asians to get involved in football,"
said Dhami.
"I want to help break down boundaries and encourage more Asians
to get involved in the game."
bbc
