What Is Drone Soccer?

Drone soccer is an exhilarating, futuristic sport that blends the thrill of soccer with cutting-edge drone technology. Originating from South Korea, drone soccer has rapidly gained international attention. Recognized by the World Air Sports Federation (FAI) as a provisional class (F9A) since May 2019, it has rapidly gained traction as a competitive and educational activity. In this article, we will explore what drone soccer is, how it's played, what equipment is needed, the rules, who can participate, the safety aspects, the types of drones and batteries used, where it's popular, international competitions, and the future of this dynamic sport.

What is drone soccer?

Drone soccer is a team-based sport where players pilot small, lightweight drones inside protective spherical cages, aiming to score points by flying their drone through a "goal" hoop suspended in the air. Unlike drone racing, which focuses purely on speed, drone soccer emphasizes team strategy, passing, blocking, and offense/defense coordination—much like traditional soccer but in three dimensions. The sport, commercialized in 2016 by the Federation of International Dronesoccer Association (FIDA), aims to be inclusive, appealing to players of all ages and genders. Its accessibility and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) applications have made it particularly popular in educational settings, fostering skills in aviation, engineering, and collaboration.

How do you play drone soccer?

Each team typically consists of 3 to 5 players. Within each team, one drone is designated as the "striker." This is the only drone that can score points by flying through the opponent's goal. The other drones on the team act as defenders, blockers, and support for their striker, aiming to clear a path for their striker while simultaneously preventing the opposing striker from scoring.

The game is played in an enclosed arena (often called a “cage” or "field") to ensure safety and maintain a fair boundary. Matches usually last about 3 minutes per set, with 3 sets played per match.The team with the most goals at the end of the match wins. The game demands not only expert drone piloting skills but also strategic thinking, teamwork, and communication.

What equipment do you need to play drone soccer?

To participate in drone soccer, you need the following equipment:

  ●Drone Soccer Ball: Specially designed drones called drone soccer balls, which are lightweight and encased in protective carbon fiber cages to withstand collisions.The drones used are typically quadcopters with durable frames and LED lighting for visibility.

  ●Transmitter/Controller: A radio controller to pilot the drone.

  ●Arena/Net: An enclosed space with goals.

  ●Spare Parts: Propellers, batteries, motors, and cages are commonly replaced due to collisions.

  ●Battery Charger: A high-quality charger to safely recharge batteries.

What are the rules of drone soccer?

Drone soccer follows strict rules sanctioned by the FAI and regional bodies like U.S. Drone Soccer to ensure fair and safe play:

  ●Match Structure: A match consists of three 3-minute sets, with a total match duration of about 30 minutes, including repair breaks. The team with the most goals wins, with sudden-death extra time for tied matches.

  ●Scoring: Only the Striker can score by flying completely through the opponent’s goal ring in the forward direction. Goals are invalid if the drone is offside or doesn’t fully cross the goal line.

  ●Offside Rule: If a Striker passes through the opponent’s goal or remains uncontrolled in their area, the team is offside and must return to their half to reset.

  ●Safety and Conduct: Reckless flying, intentional damage, or interference (e.g., radio jamming) is prohibited. Teams must maintain drones and ensure situational awareness. Violations result in penalties or disqualification.

  ●Equipment Standards: Drones must have protective cages, fail-safe devices, and team-colored LEDs. Teams designate Strikers with lighting or flags.

Who can play drone soccer?

Drone soccer is accessible to a wide range of participants, including students, educators, hobbyists, and competitive athletes. It is especially popular in schools as a STEM activity, providing hands-on learning in aviation, engineering, programming, and teamwork. The sport is coed and encourages participation from all genders and ages, fostering inclusivity and collaboration.

Is drone soccer safe?

Yes, drone soccer is designed with safety as a priority. The drones are lightweight and protected by cages to minimize damage and injury during collisions. The playing area is enclosed in a netted or caged arena to prevent drones from flying into spectators or bystanders. Strict rules govern drone operation to avoid reckless flying, and any damaged drones must be immediately disarmed. These measures create a controlled environment for safe, competitive play.

What drones are used in drone soccer?

The drones used in drone soccer are specifically built for the sport. They are typically small, robust multirotors designed to be highly maneuverable and durable enough to withstand impacts. Key characteristics include:

  ●Size: There are different classes based on the drone ball's diameter, commonly 20cm or 40cm.

  ●Protective Frame: A mandatory spherical cage encases the drone.

  ●Brushless Motors: These provide the necessary power and responsiveness for dynamic flight.

  ●Flight Controller: An onboard system that stabilizes the drone and interprets pilot commands.

  ●Receiver: Allows communication with the remote controller.

  ●LED Lighting: Essential for team identification.

These drones are often modular, allowing for easier repairs and replacement of components.

How to choose batteries for a soccer drone?

Choosing the right battery is crucial for performance and endurance:

  ●Voltage: 2S to 6S (7.4V to 22.2V) batteries are typical, depending on the drone model.

  ●Capacity: Batteries between 450mAh and 3000mAh are common to balance weight and flight time.

  ●Discharge Rate (C-Rating): A high C-rating (30C or more) is important for providing enough power during sudden maneuvers.

  ●Weight: Keep batteries lightweight to preserve drone agility.

  ●Durability: Choose high-quality, impact-resistant batteries, as drone soccer involves frequent collisions.

Grepow 20cm Soccer Drone LiPo Battery Recommendation

Grepow 40cm Soccer Drone LiPo Battery Recommendation

Where is drone soccer popular?

Drone soccer is booming especially in:

  ●South Korea: The birthplace of drone soccer, with strong school leagues and professional teams.

  ●United States: Rapidly growing through U.S. Drone Soccer initiatives and integration into school STEM programs.

  ●Europe: Countries like Spain, the Netherlands, and the UK have emerging leagues.

  ●Middle East: UAE has hosted major exhibitions featuring drone soccer.

  ●China and Japan: Growing interest among tech-savvy youth and robotics clubs.

Many national drone sports federations are now including drone soccer as an official discipline.

Are there international competitions or championships for drone soccer?

Yes, drone soccer has reached the international stage. The World Air Sports Federation (FAI) recognizes drone soccer as an official air sport (Class F9A) and is involved in sanctioning international events. The FAI World Drone Soccer Championships are set to be a major international competition, with the inaugural event planned for 2025 in Shanghai, China. Beyond the world championships, there are various international open events and tournaments that bring together teams from different countries, fostering global competition and promoting the sport's growth.

What’s the future of drone soccer?

Drone soccer’s future is bright, driven by technological advancements and increasing accessibility:

  ●Mainstream Appeal: With a $1 million World Cup and inclusion in the 2025 World Games, drone soccer is poised to rival drone racing in popularity. Its spectator-friendly format and short, intense matches attract diverse audiences.

  ●STEM Integration: The sport’s educational value, teaching aviation, programming, and teamwork, will expand its adoption in schools. Certifications like the FAA Part 107 license enhance career pathways for players.

  ●Global Expansion: FIDA’s goal of a UAV Olympics and growth in underserved regions, including programs for seniors and special-needs groups, will broaden participation.

By 2030, drone soccer could become a staple in esports and educational curricula, potentially inspiring a new generation of aerospace professionals. Its blend of accessibility, excitement, and real-world applications positions it as a sport of the future.

Conclusion

Drone soccer is more than a game—it’s a gateway to innovation, teamwork, and the future of sports. As it grows in popularity, fueled by international competitions and STEM opportunities, drone soccer is set to redefine aerial sports. Whether you’re a student, educator, or enthusiast, now is the time to explore this innovative sport. Grepow offers a range of 2S (7.4V) 450mAh to 6S (22.2V) 3000mAh FPV LiPo batteries designed to meet the diverse needs of soccer drones, whether for competitive events or casual recreational use. These batteries deliver reliable performance, stable power output, and high energy density, ensuring extended flight times and responsive maneuverability to support both professional and hobbyist drone activities. If you have any questions or needs, please feel free to contact us at info@grepow.com.