Three youngsters of Indian origin will get a shot at playing for Chelsea Academy side after they were selected for a initiative by the London-based English Premier League club to rope in young Asian-origin players.
Jai Singh Dhillon, Jordan Sadhu and Aameer Kstantin Murphy will appear for trials in August to test whether they can be part of the Chelsea Academy.
Dhillon from Hitchin was selected in Under-14 category while Sadhu of Ilford and London's Murphy won the Under-12 and
Under-13 competitions respectively after three days of intense competition among more than 350 young boys.
The selection of the trio under 'Search for an Asian Soccer Star' initiative is designed to give a much needed kick-start to greater Asian representation within the sport by uncovering potential future professional footballers from a so far under-represented community.
The initiative was launched by Chelsea Chief Executive Peter Kenyon on May 2 and the boys battled it out over three days of tests, matches and competitions.
It was joined by a host of Chelsea first team stars keen to lend their support including Nicolas Anelka, Petr Cech, Florent Malouda, Salomon Kalou and Deco.
Assistant Manager Ray Wilkins also led a couple of training sessions for the players.
The boys underwent a a series of individual tests developed by the Chelsea Academy to evaluate core skill levels and allowed trialists to be measured against boys already in the Academy. They were followed by coaching sessions with the
Academy staff and competitive matches in the afternoon.
An elated Dhillon said, "I'd tell anyone who is thinking about taking part to try it even if you don’t think you are the best player. It is good fun."
Twelve-year-old Aameer Murphy finished top of the tests and asked how did he feel to have won the opportunity of a
lifetime.
"Very, very, good because I've never won anything this big before. I was trying to do my hardest and challenge myself. I will try my hardest to make it as a professional."
