The Power of Drones in Sport: Insights From First Ever Drone Soccer Competition Held in Nigeria
Drones have revolutionized a wide range of sectors. But often, when we say this, we are talking about agriculture, mining, construction, health care delivery, etc. But these are not the only sectors drone usage is revolutionizing industry practices. One sector which is mostly less discussed is in; education and sports. Over the years, people have started blending education and sports through Drone Soccer competitions. These competitions have gained popularity worldwide, fusing the thrill associated with soccer with drone technology.
As a dynamic drone organization, we are happy to share our learnings from hosting the first-ever drone soccer competition in Africa held in Nigeria. Read on to find out what it is, its impacts, and the future of using drones in education and sports.
What is the Drone Soccer Competition?
Originating from Korea, drone soccer is a thrilling indoor sport played with radio-controlled quadcopters in protective exoskeletons designed for collisions. It involves two teams, each having five players. The playing "field" is enclosed in a 10 by 20 feet mesh structure with two "goal posts'' on each side and with the players on each side of the structure. Each team has a striker who is supposed to fly their drone through the opponent's goalpost as many times as possible. The team members are supposed to help their striker score, while the other team's players are supposed to prevent the striker from scoring. The drones used are small drones enclosed in an exoskeleton to form a ball shape. This exoskeleton also minimizes the impact in case the drone crashes.
With Drone Soccer, Learning is FUN
So how do the students learn when participating in this sport? Before participating, the students will learn to build and program the drone, making it a perfect STEM education tool. Building such a drone gives them some knowledge in computer science and aviation. And since they will crash the drone often, repairing it equips them with skills they may need when working with their own drones or even when dealing with larger manned aircraft if they ever choose that career.
The drones are designed by iFlight, a leading manufacturer of DIY and FPV drones, and the software used to program these drones is Betaflight, which is also used to tune FPV drones. This gives the students an upper hand if they ever pursue a career as a professional FPV pilot, which is still a worthwhile venture with tournaments like DRL picking up.
Africa’s First Drone Soccer Competition
The event, held in Nigeria, brought together talented drone pilots and soccer enthusiasts nationwide. The Global Air Drone Academy held this event in collaboration with the United States Consulate General, US Drone Soccer, and the Lagos State Ministry of Education. The atmosphere was electric, with teams showcasing their skills, strategy, and dexterity in maneuvering their drones to score goals and outsmart their opponents.
71 teams sent their applications, and 8 girl-led teams were selected. The teams also needed to have a considerable number of female participants. The top 3 winners received $1500 in STEAM equipment, while the competition's overall winner traveled to the United States to participate in the international Drone Soccer Competition.
By actively promoting girl-led teams, we aimed to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a more inclusive sports environment. We firmly believe that empowering girls in sports not only promotes gender equality but also fosters personal growth, self-confidence, and leadership skills. Witnessing these talented young boys and girls defy expectations, demonstrate their expertise, and inspire others to pursue their passions fearlessly was an honor.
We have ignited a revolution in Africa's sporting landscape by hosting this landmark competition. As the birthplace of soccer legends, Africa now proudly adds drone soccer to its repertoire of innovative sports. The event provided a platform for showcasing technical prowess and athletic ability and fostered camaraderie, teamwork, and sportsmanship among the participants.
What the Future Holds for Drone Competitions
At Global Air Drone Academy, we recognize that drone soccer is more than just a game. It is an avenue for talent development, where participants can refine their drone piloting skills and strategic thinking and gain skills in aviation, computer science, and engineering that they could use in other careers. The competition served as a catalyst for nurturing a new breed of athletes, merging the realms of sports and technology in unprecedented ways.
Through this historic event, we have witnessed the emergence of exceptional drone soccer players who have captivated audiences with their agility, precision, and teamwork. These talented individuals have showcased their skills on the field, proving that drone soccer is not only a thrilling spectacle but also a highly competitive sport that demands skill, strategy, and coordination.
The impact of the first-ever drone soccer competition in Africa extends far beyond the tournament itself. It has ignited a passion for the sport, inspiring a new generation of soccer and drone enthusiasts. The event has generated significant interest from both local and international communities, placing Africa firmly on the map as a hub for innovation and sports excellence.
As pioneers in the field, Global Air Drone Academy is committed to further advancing drone soccer in other parts of Africa and beyond. We are dedicated to organizing more tournaments, training aspiring drone soccer players, and promoting the sport as a pathway to athletic and technological achievement. Through these initiatives, we aim to create opportunities for individuals to excel in drone soccer and represent Africa globally.
We invite you to join us on this exciting journey as we continue to revolutionize the world of sports with drone soccer. Whether you're an aspiring athlete, a technology enthusiast, or simply a fan of innovative sports, there's a place for you in this dynamic and exhilarating sport. Book a Call or Send us an email today via info@gadacademy.org