EA Sports FC and UEFA Expand Grassroots Initiative with Free Coaching Resources

Key Takeaways

• FC Futures Academy now offers 17 free skill games in six languages, bridging digital gameplay with real-world football training
• EA Sports FC has invested in over 20 pitches worldwide as part of its grassroots commitment since the program launched in 2023
• David Beckham led a London training session with schoolchildren from UK charity Football Beyond Borders at the EA Sports FC 26 launch
• The program is backed by football legends including Zinedine Zidane, Marta, Ian Wright, and Emma Hayes
• UEFA partnership provides coaching expertise to develop drills accessible to coaches, teachers, parents, and players

Digital-to-Physical Training Model Gains Traction

EA Sports FC and UEFA have expanded their FC Futures program with a London training session led by David Beckham, bringing together digital gameplay mechanics and grassroots football coaching. The event, held at the EA Sports FC 26 launch, featured children from UK charity Football Beyond Borders practicing drills pulled directly from the video game.

The FC Futures Academy serves as the program’s coaching hub, offering free online resources that translate in-game challenges to real pitch training. Developed jointly by EA Sports FC’s development team and UEFA grassroots experts, the library now includes 17 skill games covering passing, dribbling, defending, and finishing.

“We’ve seen that when kids play FC, it encourages them to actually go out and play on the field,” Beckham said. “It’s so important that we inspire the next generation of footballers who are coming through.”

Investment Footprint and Global Reach

Since launching in 2023, FC Futures has invested in more than 20 pitches globally and established multiple partner programs. The initiative uses the EA Sports FC brand and its roster of football legends to attract young players to real-world participation.

Beckham’s London appearance follows a 2023 session in Marseille where he trained alongside former teammate Zinedine Zidane. The program’s ambassador lineup also includes Brazilian star Marta, former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, and U.S. Women’s National Team coach Emma Hayes.

James Salmon, Senior Franchise Activation Director at EA Sports FC, outlined the strategy: “Our goal with FC Futures is to use the power of EA Sports FC to inspire more young people to play football in real life and grow the game for all. Our investment means that young people globally have better access to the sport.”

UEFA’s Development Priorities Align with Digital Partnership

For UEFA, the FC Futures collaboration fits within broader grassroots development goals across Europe. The organization emphasizes inclusive access to quality coaching as a foundation for player development at all levels.

Olivier Doglia, UEFA chief of football development, described the partnership’s role: “Our ambition is that every young person can have the chance to play, learn and fall in love with football. Our partnership with EA Sports FC Futures strengthens that commitment, and together we’re providing modern tools, inspiring content and real opportunities that make the game more accessible and enjoyable for all.”

The FC Futures Academy resources are available in six languages, expanding access beyond English-speaking markets.

Implications for Youth Sports Operators

The EA Sports FC and UEFA model demonstrates a growing trend of gaming companies investing in grassroots sports infrastructure and programming. By creating free, accessible coaching content tied to a popular gaming franchise, the partnership offers a template for engaging digitally-native youth audiences while driving real-world participation.

For youth sports organizations and facility operators, the approach highlights opportunities to integrate digital engagement strategies with traditional programming.

via: UEFA

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