Drone Soccer - a new way to play - 1st March 2024

Sports and technology have come together in a new game - 'drone soccer'. Players demonstrated their piloting skills to crowds at the consumer electronics show in Las Vegas recently.

The goals are very small, explains professional player Sean Greenhalgh.

Sean Greenhalgh: "This is the actual competition arena. Right here we got the goal post the goal posts that these drones fly through. And these drones when you're flying through, you only have two to three inches around the drone to fly through that, so it is very precise."

Two teams compete in these five-a-side games. They play a total of 3 sets, each of which lasts 3 minutes. To score, the lead striker has to pass through the opposition goal, which measures only 58 centimetres across.

Sean Greenhalgh: "In a real competition, there will be ten inside the arena at a time. There's five players on each team consisting of three defenders, two strikers, one is a lead striker the other one is a backup striker. The lead striker is the only one who can score and he's the one with the green tassels underneath the drone."

People have been using drones for photography for some time. They're also becoming more common in the security sector and even for deliveries. However, drone soccer's showing their potential in leisure activities and competitions. Some have pointed out similarities to Harry Potter's favourite sport, quidditch, where players fly on broomsticks.

Although drone pilots don't need magic, good piloting skills are essential. The combination of sport and technology's attracting younger players. However, this also helps the sport to include players of all ages, genders and physical abilities.

Equality's a key factor for Federation of International Dronesoccer Association president, Ro Sang Heub.

Ro Sang Heub: "There will be a World Cup in 2025 in South Korea, and I dream about this sport being played regardless of any gender, any type of people, disabled people. I wish it becomes one of the major sports played by everybody."

Drones have been banned in many cities. Worries over safety and security limit opportunities for drone owners to practise. However, this unusual sport provides an excellent space.