July 6 – EA Sports’ FC Futures project has hosted a UEFA Festival of Football event at the heart of the Euro 2024 Fan Zone in Berlin, marking a significant milestone for the FC Futures initiative which has opened up grassroots football to more than 170,000 people in its debut year.
FC Futures, in collaboration with adidas and UEFA, organised training sessions for over 50 local teenage boys and girls. The effort underscores the initiative’s ongoing commitment to expanding the reach of football to all demographics since beginning just over one year ago.
The training drills at the event were led by official UEFA and German Football Association (DFB) coaches, with exercises sourced from the FC Futures Academy- an online library of free-to-access practices.
Currently available in six languages, including German, the Academy uses EA Sports FC 24 in-game footage in an effort to enhance football skills whilst offering a new way for players and coaches to engage with the sport.
By leveraging digital tools, the initiative aims to continue its mission of growing the game globally, ensuring that football remains inclusive and accessible to everyone.
“It’s inspiring to be here at UEFA EURO 2024, not only to see the best of European men’s football compete, but to host FC FUTURES training sessions for the next generation,’’ said James Salmon, Senior Marketing Director, EA SPORTS FC.
“We’re incredibly grateful that our partners at UEFA and adidas are equally committed to developing accessible and community-led football programmes, and we’re looking ahead to continuing our investment with Year 2 of FC FUTURES to grow the game for all.”
“We are delighted to bring grassroots football to this year’s UEFA EURO 2024 tournament in Germany with EA SPORTS FC.” echoed Olivier Doglia, UEFA Head of Technical Education & Development.
“EA SPORTS FC FUTURES’ innovative training practices seamlessly merge the virtual and real-world football experiences and together we aim to inspire the next generation to take to the pitch and participate in the World’s Game, just like their national heroes on the pitch at UEFA EURO 2024.”
FC Futures and adidas ambassador Ian Wright also joined the session, marking his latest involvement in encouraging development at a grassroots level. The ex-England forward has been a key part of the FC Futures project, even building a five-a-side pitch in London dedicated to himself and the late David ‘Rocky’ Rocastle.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1725753949labto1725753949ofdlr1725753949owedi1725753949sni@g1725753949niwe.1725753949yrrah1725753949