Asian Soccer Star, London – Chelsea’s Asian Soccer Star search is back for another year. Providing groundbreaking opportunities for budding young players from the British Asian communites, the programme offers players the chance to win a place at the Chelsea Academy trials this summer. Past events have already seen four winners go on to sign with professional clubs.

Asian Soccer Star 2011 will take place on 7th May at Chelsea’s world famous training ground in Cobham for players in the Under 9 to Under 12 age groups.

Nicolas Anelka is an Ambassador for the Asian Soccer Star programme and the striker welcomed the return of the scheme:

“Asian Star is making a real difference. Everyone should have the same chances to play no matter what backgrounds they come from and this programme is offering young Asian players the opportunities they deserve.”

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 of the four age groups will be selected for the Chelsea Academy summer trials where they will train and play alongside some of the country’s best young talent. Any player meeting the required standard will be offered the chance to be signed by the Blues.

The initiative supported by the Asian Media & Marketing Group and Kick It Out 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. 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.

Applications are now open but places are limited for each day. To register for the trials please visit the Chelsea website www.chelseafc.com/asiansoccerstar

Asian Soccer Star trials are open to players in the Under 9, 10, 11 and 12 age groups from all Asian backgrounds however a priority will be given to players from Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi backgrounds.

Over the next couple of months, AsianSoccerStar.com will be publishing training protocols and organising workshops to prepare budding young players with the best chance to showcase their talent.

If you are a parent, coach or budding young player sign up to our email alerts, email us at info@asiansoccerstar.com or fill out the contact form to get the best preparation for Chelsea’s Asian Soccer Star 2011 search.