Children with Downs Syndrome at Stamford Bridge. Photograph: Abhilasha Sihag

Not often does one get a chance to be on the pitch that has been adored and worshipped by the likes of Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, John Terry and Ashley Cole. But it was a different Monday morning at Stamford Bridge Stamford Bridge, when children with Down's syndrome took on the centre stage in an exhibition match organised by Down's Syndrome Association Down Syndrome Association.

“We have really enjoyed ourselves here and it has been a great learning experience for the kids,” said Tim Nicholls, coach of Hong Kong Dragons, one of three teams that participated in the exhibition match. Other two teams were Fulham Badgers and Queen’s Park Rangers Tiger Cubs.

Along with the exhibition match, 36 teams participated in the Danny Mardell Knockout Challenge. It featured great players like former Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall and Kevin Kilbane.

“Tournaments like these help in creating awareness. It is great to be here among kids and supporting them. These kids are happy and they love playing. Why shouldn’t we give them a chance to show their skills, instead of feeling bad for them,” said Southall who plays for Professional Footballers Association Professional Footballers Association.

The exhibition match started with a music performance by Samba Roc. The band consisted mostly of children with Down's syndrome. Their drums and instruments were in sync with the mood of those playing them. Stamford Bridge was engulfed in heavy drum beats and everyone in the stadium was astounded by the performance.

Most kids in the Hong Kong Dragons were on their first visit to London and were ecstatic when they walked on the Stamford Bridge.

“I am very happy, it is my first time in United Kingdom,’ said Hon Cheung goalkeeper of the Hong Kong Dragons.

Though some would think it is hard to coach the Down's syndrome kids. However Nicholls has a different stand. “These kids are great. I’ve been training them since last two years. It is not difficult to teach them. All you need to do is support them and be patient,” he said.

Some feared that the loud noise could cause some problems for the kids but they were wrong. Not only did kids enjoy the attention, their ability to stand loud noises made the organisers realise that when concentrated on one thing, the kids did not get frightened.

“The kids love the attention. They love being in the middle of the ground. In fact in the evening they would wave while practising going on and off the pitch,” Nicholls said.

During the Down’s Syndrome Awareness Weak, the organisers hoped that people will be more aware of the problems of Down's syndrome children and government to pass legislations that results in giving accurate and detailed information on Down's syndrome.

“We want government to pass laws that provides high quality of information to be given parents after they have received a pre-natal or post-natal diagnosis of Down syndrome,” said John Smithies, press officer of the Down's Syndrome Association.