Held at Beijing Hyundai Motor Company’s R&D Center, the Hyundai x Chelsea FC Youth Football Camp was the club’s first-ever international coaching clinic delivered with the South Korean automobile company and it was attended by 188 players aged from seven to 15 over.

The aspiring youngsters had the unique opportunity to train under the guidance of the Chelsea legend and four coaches from the Chelsea FC Foundation as they conducted two-and-a-half hour sessions on the facility’s 3G football pitch which featured a range of technical drills and small side practices developed according the age and ability of the players.

Cole, who now coaches our Under-15 team at Cobham following his retirement as a player earlier this year, enjoyed the experience despite the freezing weather conditions in the Chinese capital.

‘I’m honoured to be part of the Hyundai x Chelsea FC Youth Football Camp in Beijing,’ said the former left-back, who played 338 games for the Blues from 2006 to 2014.

‘It has been a great pleasure coaching the kids and witnessing their passion for football. Hopefully this would be a start to the many youth football camps to come for inspiring youth football players to participate.’

Chelsea FC Foundation international development manager Ian Woodroffe was pleased with how the event went.

‘It’s been amazing to see the passion for the game grow over the years as we have been to China many times in the past,’ he said.

‘I can really see the younger generation embracing the sport and developing their ability and game understating.

‘As a first event with Hyundai Motors, it’s been fantastic and only amplified by Ashley Cole’s participation throughout the whole programme.’

The event was a big hit with the youngsters who not only got a chance to hone their skills but to get their photo taken and items autographed by the former England international.

‘We are so happy to have been given the opportunity to run a camp with Chelsea FC and to provide an unforgettable experience to all of the participating youths,’ said Wonhong Cho, chief marketing officer and executive vice-president, Hyundai Motor Company.

‘We plan to expand the Hyundai Motor x Chelsea FC Youth Football Camp for young football fans around the world and plan various global marketing campaigns in partnership with Chelsea FC.’