More than 300 children turned out to compete in Chelsea’s groundbreaking Search for an Asian Soccer Star all hoping to win a trial with the Blues.

Winners in the four age groups from Under 9s to Under 12s will now return to the club’s training ground in the summer for a week-long trial with the Chelsea Academy.

Players were put through drills and tests for speed and agility before taking part in competitive matches and winners were chosen based on their performance, test results and the Foundation coaches’ analysis.

Bhangra singer Jaz Dhami joined two previous winners of the competition A'ameer Kstantin Murphy, currently trialling with West Ham, and Kai Bhuller, now playing at Norwich City’s Academy to hand out the prizes. The Under 9s group winner was Sam Khan from Coventry: ‘I can’t believe I won it,’ said Sam, ‘I’m really glad. It means a lot and I’m really happy I won the trial, it’s the chance of a lifetime.’ Rohan Bunger from Gravesend who won the Under 11s age group said: ‘I am absolutely overwhelmed. The whole day has been great and everyone just wants you to be successful. Winning means everything because I’ve always wanted to play football and now I have a chance of living my dream.’ In the oldest age group, East London’s Mohammed Lemon was victorious but the surprise of the day was in the Under 10s’ category.

Despite there being only one prize up for grabs in each age group, an exception was made at Under 10 level after twin brothers Amair and Amir Khan from Hanworth, west London, were both selected for trials. The coaches felt their abilities were equal and that both should be offered an opportunity.

‘We’re very happy,’ said Amair. ‘We’re very lucky to get the opportunity to come to the Chelsea Academy and show our ability.’ Ian Woodroffe, a development manager for the Chelsea Foundation, spent the day watching the football and was impressed by the skills on display. He firmly believes there’s enough ability to develop Asian footballers of the future.

‘Players who have come out of Asian Soccer Star have gone on and signed for clubs, it shows it’s going in the right direction and we’re getting a positive outcome. There is plenty of talent out here today and hopefully it will help us make positives steps for Asian football in the future.’ Head of the Chelsea Foundation, Simon Taylor, said: "It has been a huge success and it’s really nice to see the game played with such a good spirit.

"Clearly there’s a huge amount of talent within the Asian community and we as a football club are still leading the way on tackling the under representation of Asian players in all levels of the game.’