the plan to invest $10 million worldwide to grow the soccer community – That’s Gaming

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Today Electronic Arts Inc. announced FC FUTURES; a global plan to invest in the soccer community in meaningful ways with the goal of growing the game for all. The plan includes investments that will be made in various grassroots soccer projects over the next three years. This announcement comes just after the announcement of EA SPORTS’ new brand identity, logo and vision for the interactive future of soccer: EA SPORTS FC.

“EA SPORTS FC symbolizes a positive future of soccer. That future will be shaped by providing young people with the tools they need to follow their dreams.”, said David Jackson, VP of Brand Marketing at EA SPORTS. “We look forward to working with soccer organizations and icons around the world to inspire the next generation of young soccer fans and grow their love for the game.”

• The first of many FC FUTURES activities took place today. Indeed, EA SPORTS and the Football Foundation, the charity of The Premier League, The FA and the British Government, unveiled the “Rocky and Wrighty Arena” at Turnham Academy in South London. The pitch, which was opened by England legend Ian Wright, will provide youth in the area with additional access to soccer and help inspire the next generation of players.
• FC FUTURES will create a publicly accessible library of training practices in five languages. Young players and community coaches will be able to view this library online later this year and use it for their training plans.
• In addition, FC FUTURES will provide community access to soccer by supporting the construction and refurbishment of fields, which will be facilitated through foundations, federations and leagues.
• Finally, FC FUTURES will invest in grassroots training accessories in the form of balls, vests, cones and other essential equipment.

EA SPORTS has entered into a multi-year partnership with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to further support the soccer community, with advice and investment from UEFA Grassroots Football Coaches.

“We are delighted to partner with EA SPORTS and their EA SPORTS FC FUTURES program.” said Frank K. Ludolph, head of technical development at UEFA. “Through our team of UEFA technical education experts, we will work hand-in-hand with our long-term partner EA SPORTS to increase our support. This partnership is an exciting opportunity for UEFA’s Grassroots program to provide innovative access to modern and tailored training materials for the benefit of the next generation of grassroots players and fans.”

Ian Wright and world-renowned Chelsea Women’s Manager Emma Hayes are the first FC FUTURES ambassadors to partner with EA SPORTS to further support grassroots soccer.

“I’m thrilled to be an EA SPORTS FC FUTURES ambassador.”, said Ian Wright. “This is where soccer begins, right here in our communities. Investing in the game is a crucial step in moving soccer forward globally. That starts with giving kids access to needed facilities so they can play as much as possible in safe, local spaces. I am grateful that my old school can play a role in the future of soccer and it is an honor to be involved.”

“Growing up in London, I was always looking for a way to get on the field.”, said Emma Hayes. “I’m thrilled that women and underrepresented talent are getting the resources that many of us didn’t get. FC FUTURES is a fantastic way to provide opportunities for the next generation of fans to explore and develop their passion for soccer. It makes me proud to be an FC FUTURES ambassador. I believe investments like this have the power to change lives.”

EA SPORTS has been defining interactive soccer for 30 years and has built a global soccer community of more than 150 million people across platforms – a community that EA SPORTS FC will now continue to build together with partners who share a common goal: a fan-centered future of soccer. Built on a foundation of inclusivity and innovation, fans will experience unparalleled authenticity with access to more than 19,000 fully licensed players, 700 teams and 30 leagues, with the support of more than 300 global soccer partners enabling further expansion into new areas around women’s and grassroots soccer.

Fans can sign up at easports.com/fc to join the Club and be among the first to learn more. Detailed product updates will follow in July.