Coaches from Chelsea's Football in the Community team were in Guangzhou on Tuesday morning to coach local children, as well as a special group from the Sichuan province.

The Sichuan region suffered an earthquake in May, which left 90,000 people dead and many more injured. In total it is estimated that some 4.5 million people have been affected as a result.

Children from the area were special guests at the coaching session, held at the Yuexiushan Stadium, home of tomorrow's Chelsea opponents Guangzhou Pharmaceutical.

Many of them had never played football before, but will now get to be mascots at the match, which is to be played at the Guangdong Olympic Stadium.

A mix of Guangzhou and Sichuan children worked with the six Community coaches over a two-hour session, held in stifling heat.

Also present were Chelsea ambassadors Lorrie Fair and Graeme Le Saux, passing on their knowledge to the kids as well as showing their skills and posing for pictures and signing autographs.

The children worked on all aspects of the game, including goalkeeping and shooting, passing, dribbling and individual skills, before finishing with some competitive matches.

Le Saux, who showed that he hadn't lost his touch since retiring in 2005, said: 'I enjoyed myself because it's important when the club come away that they get involved with the local community.

'The children from the Sichuan province have travelled a long way which shows how much it means to them to have Chelsea here.

'From my point of view I have always enjoyed doing some coaching and working with children, and the general standard was very high. Quite often you get kids good on the ball themselves but not so good as part of a team, but today they really had a team ethic and it was impressive.

'Also playing in Guangzhou's stadium must be a great opportunity for the kids, so it has been great.'

His sentiments were echoed by Lorrie Fair, whose physical involvement was unfortunately limited due to a cruciate ligament injury. She was particularly impressed with the Sichuan children.

'There was a mix between girls and boys and some of them have never touched a ball, which is amazing. All their homes have been destroyed, so the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation has brought them over, and for Chelsea this is a chance to give back to the grass roots.

'This is the reason why I love Chelsea, not so much for what the first team do but what the club does on a social responsibility level, and the kids look like they are having a really good time, despite the heat!'