The club has teamed up with the FA, Kick it Out and the Asian Media Group to launch the 'Search for an Asian Soccer Star' and will be holding open trials for youngsters from Asian backgrounds during the May Bank Holiday with the most talented players being offered a three-day residential trial at the club's world class Academy.

The Search for an Asian Star event will take place on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th May at Chelsea's training ground in Cobham for players in the Under 12,13 and 14 age groups and will be open to London and South-East based players from Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi backgrounds.

Participants will be judged on a series of matches and tests specifically designed and used by the Chelsea Academy to demonstrate their speed, skills and ability.

NO BARRIER

The winners from each age group will be offered an initial three-day trial at the Chelsea Academy and any player meeting the required standards will be offered the chance to join some of the country's most talented young players in the Chelsea youth system.

"We realise that there is a lack of representation of players from Asian backgrounds within the game and we hope that the competition will help inspire Asian youngsters," said former Chelsea and England star Graeme Le Saux.

"We want to show that race is no barrier to joining our club and that opportunities for Asian players do exist. We are proud of the religious and racial diversity at Chelsea and it is important that all clubs share our ambition that players should only be judged on their talent and their potential," he added.

With two young British Asian players already at the club, Chelsea would like to see a further injection of Asian talent at all levels of the game. To achieve this aim 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.

Piara Power, Director of Kick it Out, welcomed the initiative: "Kick it Out is delighted to support this great programme. I hope that the Search for an Asian Soccer Star project will help inspire Asian players to take their involvement further at all levels of the game. For a leading club like Chelsea to provide such fantastic opportunities for Asian players shows they are taking the issues facing Asian participation seriously.''

SMASH PREJUDICE

Managing Editor of the Asian Media Group Kalpesh Solanki said: "It is great to be involved in this innovative and forward-thinking project with Chelsea. We feel there is the talent within the Asian community but it has not been given the appropriate high-profile support and encouragement that is needed. Chelsea have taken a huge step forward in this regard and shown what can be done when there is a will for change at the very highest club level. The club management, like us, recognise that a diversity on the field helps smash prejudice and inspires a future generation."

Zesh Rehman, the first British Asian player to play at all levels of the professional game said: "I think clubs need to take a more active role and engage with their communities and I think it's a great project. Chelsea are a Premier League club with a massive profile across the world I am sure other clubs can look at that and use it as a template for future reference."

The FA's Consultant in Race Equality Brendon Batson underlined the FA's support for the scheme: "The FA are delighted to offer our support to the Search for an Asian Soccer Star initiative. For a club like Chelsea to offer these opportunities demonstrates their commitment to breaking down the barriers between the game and the Asian Community and mirrors the ambition of the FA that football is representative of all our communities."

Asian Football Network Manager Kuljit Randhawa said: "The Asian Football Network is pleased to offer its full support to Chelsea FC's Asian Star Project. This initiative provides a unique opportunity to highlight the wealth of untapped talent that exists in the South Asian footballing community."

Mesba Ahmed, Chief Executive and Founder of the London Tigers and organiser of the annual Asian Community Cup held at Stamford Bridge, welcomed the initiative: "We have always enjoyed close links with Chelsea and are delighted to support the event. Giving young Asian players the chance to get involved with the game and the chance to join a club like Chelsea can only help inspire them and shows Chelsea's commitment to the Asian community."

Places are limited for each day. To register for the trials please visit the Chelsea websitewww.chelseafc.com/asiansoccerstar