Chelsea star Pedro has lent his support to this year’s Asian Star initiative.

Asian Star is designed to give a much-needed boost to Asian participation at all levels of the game and will return for an eighth successive year on Monday 30 May.

Places are still available for youngsters aged 9-12 with close to 400 players expected at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground for the annual event.

‘Chelsea are doing a lot of work in the community and Asian Star is another example of that,’ said Pedro.

'It is very important we do our bit in the community and the event gives kids a great opportunity to show what they can do to all the scouts and other people watching.

'We need more young Asian players in the Premier League and in general here in the UK and in Europe so it is important Chelsea are trying to help this.

‘This has been a success for many years and gives dreams to children who might not have had chances like this before.’ Asian Star was launched in 2009 and has grown in size ever since, with those attending competing in a series of matches and tests to examine speed, skill and ability.

The winners in each age group were all invited to join the Chelsea Foundation’s Football Development Centres.

Chelsea will also be inviting managers, coaches and scouts from clubs at all levels of the game to identify talented youngsters. Workshops and useful information will also be available on the day for parents.

Applications for players aged 9 to 12 can be made at www.chelseafc.com/asianstar