Premiership footballer David Dunn was on hand to present trophies to winners of the first Asian Soccer Idol.

The Birmingham City star joined twenty-one finalists and their families at Hyndburn Sports Centre, Accrington.

Earlier this year Asian Image advertised for entries into the competition which aims to raise the profile of young Asian footballers in the region. From over fifty youngsters in three-different age-ranges the final featured players from Preston, Accrington, Blackburn, Burnley, Bolton and Nelson.

Children were judged on all aspects of ball control, one-on-one situations, beating opponents either individually or with the help of other players and their finishing.

The event was organised by Charles Jackson, Advanced Development Coach and Purves Ali of the Asian Youth Sports Academy (AYSA).

Purves told us, "An array of skill and talent was on display throughout the evening. And I was very impressed with the support given to the kids by their families and club managers.

"This is the first year we have organised such a project and it was good to get ideas and comments from parents."

Purves added, "We live in a multi-cultural community but why don't we see young Asian kids playing at grassroots level in the numbers they should?"

"Our aim is to hopefully set up a Centre for Excellence for under 12s within the area."

"All the football clubs we have spoken to have impressed a keen interest in the idea."

Judging the youngsters was, Lee Bowyer, Hyndburn Council Sports Development and Charles Jackson.

The organisers would like to thank Reesha Baron of Moorland School for her input on the day.

The event was sponsored by the Asian Business Federation (ABF), Moorland School and Hyndburn Borough Council.

ROLL OF HONOUR

Under10s

Winners (Joint): Haris Ali and Kamran Khan

Runner-up: Waqqas Azeem, of Burnley.

Under 12s:

Winner: Amir Towra, of Preston

Runner-up: Nadir Patel, of Bolton

Under 15s

Winner: Zahoor Hussain, of Burnley

Runner-up: Naeem Bashir, of Preston