We have used drones to gather data from various industrial settings, to deliver important medical supplies to far flung communities, to produce media products that rival any professional camera out there; to keep people safe in their jobs; and to secure premises.

And somebody in their wisdom just thought; why not add soccer skills to the drone technology matrix?

And we think it is a really good thing too; because it is a good way to introduce drone and robotics technology to young kids.

The Global Air Drone Academy did it in Nigeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe a couple of years back; and the same concept is now being applied in South Africa and Cayman Islands, where one drone enthusiast is bringing a combination of football and high tech to Cayman’s sporting scene.

In South Africa, drone services company QP Drone Tech and South Africa Flying Labs in partnership with DroneLabs had a busy time last week, working with pupils from two high schools in KwaZulu Natal Province on the possibilities of taking up drone soccer as a career.

The company said it was doing this to fulfil its determination “to action the “A” that represents the Art in STEAM education,” as explained by Queen Ndlovu, the CEO at QP Drone Tech.

“It was also to introduce the e-sport to our well deserving beneficiaries that are based in high schools and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in South Africa and beyond,” she added.

“Last week Thursday, KwaZulu Natal was buzzing for a moment. We introduced our drone soccer program as amongst other career options that exist within the drone technology space.

“We had the privilege of hosting the two high schools with the presence of the Department of Basic Education’ Leadership from KwaZulu -Natal which came in numbers to support this important initiative.”

While in the Cayman Islands, Dervon Mckellop – the President and UAS Consultant at George Town -based drone services company DRIFT UAV Services – described drone soccer as being “like robotic soccer in the air”.

“Players fly small drones (inside protective cages called ‘drone balls’) and try to score goals by flying through a vertical goal ring while defending their own side. It’s a mix of piloting skill, teamwork and strategy – just like traditional soccer, but with drones,” he told a local publication, the Compass.

Teams consist of three to five players and matches are often played in three sets, typically lasting three minutes each.

Games can be played indoors or outdoors in a predetermined flying zone that is a rectangle marked by continuous lines and protected with a cage.

There are two pilots’ areas – one for each team – located outside of the cage on its shorter sides. The arenas range from four metres by eight metres by three metres high, up to ten metres by twenty metres by four.five metres high.

With the arenas being portable, games can be held throughout the islands. Mckellop aims to establish between ten and twenty arenas, as his vision is for schools to form clubs and participate in interschool competitions.

Drone soccer started in South Korea in 2016 and has since been growing worldwide. It was recognised in 2019 by the World Air Sports Federation as an official air sport.

In March this year, the federation announced the inaugural World Drone Soccer Championships, which is set to be hosted in Shanghai, China, on 15-18 Nov.

Mckellop said that bringing drone soccer to Cayman “isn’t just about starting a sport – it’s about creating a movement that connects play, passion and possibility”.

“My inspiration stems from multiple sources,” Mckellop said if his reason for bringing drone soccer to Cayman.

“First, I have a deep-rooted passion for technology, which has led me to immerse myself in the drone industry for over 10 years.”

He is a licensed commercial drone pilot and the founder of a regional drone services company. Additionally, for more than four years, he has been committed to the DRIFT Enterprise Drones in School programme, which “transforms classrooms into interactive learning environments by integrating drone technology”.

Mckellop has taken the lead in introducing the sport to Cayman, along with members of his company, DRIFT Enterprise UAV Services.

He also anticipates the new sport will help boost local tourism, expand the events calendar, create career pathways, build community and benefit education.

“By integrating drones into lessons, educators can bridge theoretical concepts across various subjects with practical, real-world applications, enriching the overall learning experience,” he said.

“There’s a palpable buzz in the community about this sport, with both youngsters and seniors eager to try it out,” Mckellop added.

“I’ve spoken with several individuals who, due to physical challenges in traditional football, are excited about the potential to learn and participate in this new, innovative activity.”

Mckellop noted that drone soccer is a “game of every ability”. Emphasising that the sport is open to everyone, regardless of age or skill, he said a team could have a ten-year-old player, a senior and a wheelchair user.

For the long term in Cayman, he said he hopes to build a strong foundation in the schools, establish a national league and to have athletes representing Cayman internationally.

He also aims introduce training – leading to player certification – that would include basic drone piloting skills, repair and coding for autonomous flight.

Mckellop said that a public launch will be held on 7 June from 1-5pm at Gardenia Court, Camana Bay. This event will allow interested persons the opportunity to experience and witness drone soccer up close and personal for the first time in Cayman.

“When it comes to technology, creativity, and innovation,” he said, “there is much untapped potential in the Cayman Islands – especially among young people.”