Starting this month we'll be giving you the chance to display your footballing skills at a series of heats throughout the region. The competition will culminate in a grand final featuring all the winners from the local heats. A series of high profile judges be on hand in the final to pick the winners.

The idea is the branchild of Advanced Development Centre Coach Charles Jackson and Purves Ali of the Asian Youth Sports Academy (AYSA).

Charles said, "We wanted to find a way to raise the profile of young Asian footballers in the region and simply ask why?"

"Why are there no Asian professional footballers and if there is talent out there we want to find it."

"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?"

Asian Soccer Idol is open to children aged between 6 and 14. Children will be 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.

Purves Ali has been vice chairman of AYSA for three years and is based in Hyndburn. He told us: "We would ideally want to identify the next Asian Zidanne. I have been involved in football ever since I was youngster and although a lot has been said and written about Asians in Football, I still don't see many Asian youngsters playing at grassroots league level.

"We just want kids to come along and show us what they can do.

"I also understand parents support is vital and through Asian Soccer Idol we want parents to come along and see for themselves what it is all about."

Youngsters aged 10 and under must attend all heats with a parent, relative or youth leader.

SOCCER IDOL: APPLICATION FORM

Have you got the skills and footballing pedigree to make it in our hunt for a Soccer Idol? You must be aged between 6 and 14 and to enter all you have to do is simply fill out the form below. A series of heats will be held throughout the region and a grand final later in the year. We'll have a list of winning prizes in the coming months.

Name:

Address:

Telephone:

Date of birth:

Your age:

School:

Parent or guardian's name and address:

To enter send this form with your £5 entry fee (cheques and postal orders ONLY) to ASIAN SOCCER IDOL, Asian Image Sport, Newspaper House, High St, Blackburn BB1 1HT. All money raised through the entry fee will be donated to Christies Against Cancer. Every entrant will recieve a T-Shirt and certificate of attendance. All cheques and postal orders must be made payable to the 'Asian Youth Sports Academy'.