Introduction
Drone soccer is a unique fusion of sports and technology which has rapidly gained popularity. This sport combines the speed of drones with gameplay in a strategic way which creates a thrilling experience. The development stages of drone soccer have seen many milestones and each contributing a special growth in international stages. This article briefly goes through its different stages.
2016: The Birth of Drone Soccer
The initial concept was developed. The base idea was to make a form of sport that can showcase drone technology and blend into competitive sport. In order to do that, a prototype of drone soccer was made. This model has served the proof of many future success. CAMTIC, the investor of Drone soccer, which is funded by MOLIT (Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport Ministry), Korea has made the first Drone soccer Stadium, which is and experience hall. This hall was used for early practices, making the rules and testing. This venue has also served the purpose of all initial stages of tournaments as well as demonstrations.
2017: Laying the Foundations
In early 2017 the first drone soccer team was formed in Korea, making a historic step towards organized competition. In the following months in the same year the rules and regulations were formed which were published in a book which went through several amendments to ensure fair gameplay and safety. In march an MOU was signed to launch early-stage official drone balls. And the authority has strictly maintained the standards. In last quarter of 2017, Drone soccer promotion forum was first hosted. This was the very first media publicized event which showed Drone soccer games, promotional activities, raising awareness towards kids and their parents.
Expansion and Formalization 2018
In early February, 2018; the very first meeting with nationwide branch leads in Korea was held which laid the groundwork for a national level network of drone soccer sports entertainment. In April PR videos were made and produced to promote drone soccer locally and internationally, highlighting the sport’s gameplay and for future global level competitions. In September a nationwide training program was initiated for drone soccer referees. It ensured a fair gameplay as well as new job sectors for referees and coaches.
2019: International Recognition
The drone soccer sport saw a significant growth during this year in international level. In march, Korea and Japan hosted the first international competition featuring drone soccer during SPOE National Games. By May, many sports experts and journalists started talking about the sports and suggested many improvements in the game which was required. It was also featured in TV shows in many countries especially in Korea. In July, the drone soccer experience hall was expanded, and the authority signed an MOU with Shenzhen Association of Drone Industry, promoting international collaboration. Following in November an international drone soccer game was demonstrated in global platform and in December, a delegation team visited Oita, Japan to participate in another game which had solidified international ties.
Institutionalization and Growth :2020
In February, the International Committee of Dronesoccer was formed with eight members to take care of global development. And Federation of International Dronesoccer Association (FIDA) was launched and it also launched its website. In September, private registration of drone soccer license of coaches, referees and players had started, everything was possible thanks to FIDA’s efficiency and professionalism.
2021: Strengthening Foundations
In March 2021, private drone soccer licenses were officially launched. This step helped to grow the sport into mass level. In April, an MOU was formed for industrial academic cooperation with Donggang University to integrate drone soccer into academic programs and research.
Global Expansion and Recognition (2022-2024)
In July 2022, the Drone soccer Championship was organized by MOLIT, Korea that featured international friendly matches with five countries, highlighting the sports growth and global appeal. By December 2022, seventeen countries signed MOU to host Drone soccer World cup in 2025, setting a stage for major international tournament. Throughout 2023, FIDA conducted many training sessions and competitions. In otherer 2023, FIDA participated in Jeonju Drone Industry fair which had gained global attention. In January 2024, FIDA had showcased its magic in CES 2024 show in Las Vegas which is the biggest tech event in the world. The main goal is to organize FIDA world cup in 2025 with maximum participant.
Conclusion
Drone soccer has evolved starting from and idea into international level competitive tournament. Its journey is remarkable. Sky is the limit. Many intellectuals are saying, in a modern-day world, where kids and adults are getting addicted to cell phones and tablets, drone soccer can help them to get out of the virtual world. And since the sport does not have any age or physical limit, anyone can play; promoting bonding and teamwork around the kids. The upcoming drone soccer world cup in 2024 and participation in CES 2024 are set to propel the sport into new height.
