Asian Soccer Star kicked off under the sizzling May sunshine today, providing a fantastic afternoon for all at Cobham.

Chief executive Peter Kenyon was joined by Portuguese international Deco and Football Icon winner, now regular reserve team player, Carl Magnay as aspiring Asian stars displayed their talents to Chelsea coaches in a bid to win a trial with the club.

Parents watched as the sun shone and their children were put through drills and tests for speed and agility before taking part in five or six-a-side games of football.

'This is incredibly important,' said Kenyon, 'It's not a one-off initiative, it's part of an overall community initiative of the club's where we go into the Asian communities and bring them to Chelsea.

'We have over 150 children here today and there are going to be over 450 over the next three days so that just shows the level of interest in the scheme.

'I have spoken to parents and kids here today and mentally there is no difference between them and any other youngsters in their love of football. So this is just about giving those children exposure to another side of football, which has got to be good,' Kenyon added.

Today saw Asian footballers from the age of 12 and under pit their talents against one another for a chance of winning the trial, tomorrow will be Under 13s before Under 14s get the opportunity on Monday.

Participants not only came from the UK, with competitors arriving from all over Europe, there was even a 10-year-old boy who travelled from Australia to take part. Yodishtra Jagatheson had embarked on a 23-hour journey from Melbourne to try his luck at gaining a trial with Chelsea.

Deco was impressed by the turnout and took a break from his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury to come and watch the afternoon unfold.

'This is not just important for English football but it is important for the kids,' explained Deco, 'It gives them the opportunity to play football and learn like they have today, which they may not normally do, and for Chelsea to do that is brilliant.'

Once all the training exercises were out of the way, it was time for the young Asians to team up and face each other in game situations, culminating in a final between Greens and Pinks, with the pink team running out a 4-0 victory.

In that triumphant side was the afternoon's eventual winner, 12-year-old A'ameer Kstantin Murphy, who wowed the coaches with his technical ability from early on.

'It was really challenging but that was the good thing about it, we had really good coaches and the matches were not like any other match, they were really hard but it was a great,' explained Kstantin Murphy.

Academy project manager Darren Grace handed Kstantin Murphy a trophy and Chelsea shirt to mark the day's victory, and is looking forward to welcoming him back for his trial in the summer.

'He will slot in with the Under 12s this summer and be treated like all the other kids on trial, but it's exciting,' said Grace.

'Chelsea recognises that the Asian community is a massive part of London and we wanted to offer those kids a trial and a chance of playing for Chelsea.

'We were blessed with the weather and Chelsea's facilities for hosting an event like this are among the best in the world,' added Grace.

Head of Football in the Community Shaun Gore was also happy with the way the afternoon unfolded.

'I'm delighted,' said Gore, 'The sun has brought everyone out and it has been a lovely day, the kids have all been enjoying themselves and it is great, and the fact that Peter Kenyon came down with Deco and Carl Magnay is fantastic.'