A fast developing new robotics air sport, played by two teams of five players, is making its way to South Africa.
Drone soccer is played in a netted arena with radio-controlled quadcopters in protective exoskeletons – designed for collisions – and is recognised under eSports. However, before players can compete, they first need to build, programme, fly and repair drones.
Founder of the Youth Media Movement Marshall Nelson is starting this in South Africa in partnership with US Drone Soccer.
The sport will be launched Mitchells Plain on June 14.
Nelson said: "Drone soccer is a thrilling enrichment programme that emphasises teamwork, critical thinking, and familiarises students with actual industrial skills in modelling, programming, manufacturing and operational testing.
"It can provide schools with an exciting platform for career and technical education skills as well as realworld lessons in science, technology, engineering and mathematics," he said.
Established in 2008, Youth Media Movement focuses on digital literacy, databases, drones, building web pages, coding and 3D printing.
Nelson said they can create hope and opportunity within the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) space.
