Chelsea Asian Star 2011 - Great Success !

Punjabi Chelsea attended Chelsea's Search for an Asian Star 2011 on Saturday 7th May at CFC's world class Cobham training facility.

Over 300 Asian youngsters took part in assessments and matches during the day. Parents came out in force to support their kids and an enjoyable day was had by all.

FA Ambassador and Bhangra Star Jaz Dhami attended the event for a second year in a row. Jaz commented "It's good to see such a fantastic turn out today. The talent is great and Chelsea's committment to the cause must be commended".

Director of Inventive Sports, Baljit Rihal commented "The talent on display today is fantastic. This shows you that Asians can indeed play football. More top flight clubs need use Chelsea's example and begin similar initiatives".

Twin's Umair and Umar Khan were selected as the winners for the Under 10 age group. The lads from Concorde Juniors FC (Cranford) were over the moon at their opportunity to be part of the Chelsea youth academy.

Jas Jassal, Vice Chairman of Concorde Juniors FC was ecstatic when he said, "I'm am extremely pleased for the Khan twins. They have tremendous potential and our club has helped them along the way. Thanks to all the coaches at the club and thanks to their father for his dedication".

All the children were given tshirts, medals and goodie bags compliments of the Chelsea FC Foundation. Coach David Monk said, "It's been a wonderful day and the kids enjoyed themselves. Some of these youngsters will do well and I'm sure we will be hearing of them very soon."

Chelsea’s Asian Soccer Star is back - 7th May 2011

Chelsea’s Asian Soccer Star is back again this year providing groundbreaking opportunities for budding young players from Asian communities. The programme offers the chance for players to win a place at the Chelsea Academy trials this summer and has already seen four winners go on to sign for professional clubs.

This year’s event 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.

Kalpesh R Solanki, managing editor of Asian and Media Marketing Group, which publishes Eastern Eye and GG2, said: "This is a fantastic initiative and still the only one of its type among the top four clubs in our country. Chelsea are to be commended for their efforts to make the game truly diverse and the reaction from the community has been brilliant too.

"It has given young aspiring players a huge boost to know that a club such as Chelsea are aware of the issues and are doing something to address the lack of Asian talent in our national sport. I would urge anyone who hasn't participated before to get involved in Asian Star and those that have done, this is yet again another opportunity to show you have what it takes. Having Nicholas Anelka, one of the Premier League's most durable talents, as the initiative ambassador's is inspiring and we wish everyone the best of luck."

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.

Punjabi Chelsea UK's Baljit Rihal said "This is a fantastic opportunity for young Asians to showcase their talent. For those interested, book a place now and let us get Asians recognised in top flight football".

Punjabi Chelsea is now Official !

Just to let you know, Punjabi Chelsea is now an official supporters club of Chelsea FC.Thanks to the many of you that filled in application forms online.

Keep an eye out for some exciting stuff from PCUK (Punjabi Chelsea UK).
T Shirts will be available soon.

Punjabi Chelsea UK brought to you by Inventive Sports