Academy of Model Aeronautics Launches Student Drone Sports League for Youth Learning

U.S. Drone Soccer has recently been recognized as an Academy of Model Aeronautics Special Interest Group.

This SIG geared towards youth education and activity, beginning with the initial tournaments in Colorado, New York and Ohio. 

The league is hoped to bring youth into the world of aerospace, STEM, and model aeronautics. Drone Soccer is played by teams of equal size, from 3v3 to 5v5. Each match consists of a designated striker attempting to make their way through the opposing team's goal, with their fellow drones attempting to run interference and block their opponents in the full-contact drone sport. The small, lightweight, spherically-caged drones give students ample opportunity to build, maintain, design, and operate their drones. Students who compete during the academic year must first learn how to build, program, and repair their drones as a team. 

In order to participate in the U.S. Drone Soccer Leagues, students must be enrolled as AMA members and agree to follow the organization's safety code, complete a short educational course about responsible aviation, and undergo drone soccer training.

The virtual AMA course teaches the basics of drone safety as well as related topics from the FAA Recreational UAS Safety Test. 

The first tournament will be held in Denver, Colorado on April 30th, 2022. Academic enrollment for schools, summer camps, etc. is open. Additional tournaments will be announced for Ohio and New York at a later date. 

FMI: www.dronesoccer.us