Drone Soccer in South Florida

Developing the Frist League in South Florida

Suzanne Banas, Ph.D.

Ed Tech Educator & Adjunct Professor

Somerset College Preparatory Academy South

Program Proposal

Creation of at least 10 schools/teams in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties

Initial Costs (details below)

Basic equipment: The “Learn” kit can field a single team of five to ten players. Playing arena not included.
Cost: $5,600.00 per school
Recommended equipment bundle: A complete Drone Soccer program designed to engage 10–20 students and host competitive games. Includes Learn Kits for two teams. The inflatable arena sets up in less than ten minutes.
Cost: $19,000.00 per school

After the initial investment, the program is sustainable, as the soccer drones typically require only basic replacement parts and routine maintenance. These costs are estimated at approximately $600 per school per year.

Currently, U19 Drone Soccer Professional Development, League Enrollment, lesson plans, and additional resources (a $550 value) are included at no additional cost.

At present, there are no schools or teams participating in Drone Soccer in South Florida, and this initiative aims to establish the first programs in the region. Nationwide, more than 270 institutions, including 200 school programs, have joined the U.S. Drone Soccer Association, demonstrating strong national growth and momentum.

Why Drone Soccer

Drone Soccer is an innovative educational initiative that integrates STEM learning, collaboration, and aviation technology into a dynamic classroom and extracurricular environment. Through structured instruction, students are guided to design, construct, and operate drones, fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and essential technical competencies.

With its emphasis on problem-solving and strategy, Drone Soccer offers a distinctive, hands-on educational experience suitable for learners at all proficiency levels.

This program serves as a strong model for youth development, supporting Career and Technical Education (CTE) objectives and providing robust STEM pathways that prepare students for professional success. More than a competitive sport, Drone Soccer acts as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and the advancement of aerial sports. Its growing popularity—driven by international competition and expanding STEM opportunities—positions Drone Soccer as a transformative force within the sector.

Drone Soccer provides a rigorous educational platform that challenges participants to assemble, program, and pilot drones. This experiential approach reinforces theoretical concepts while instilling perseverance, practical accomplishment, and appreciation for collaborative effort. Through hands-on assembly and programming, students gain insight into system design, component interdependence, and real-world problem solving.

The program is instrumental in motivating and equipping students to pursue careers in aviation and the rapidly evolving field of drone technology. It delivers practical skill development, strengthens analytical thinking, and supports career exploration. Students who participate in Drone Soccer are prepared to become valuable members of tomorrow’s workforce, equipped with dedication, collaboration skills, and problem-solving expertise.

What It Is

Drone Soccer is an organized team sport conducted within a netted arena, where each team consists of five players operating lightweight, spherical, caged drones. The primary objective is to maneuver a designated “striker” drone through a hoop on the opposing team’s side, while defenders and a goalkeeper attempt to block scoring attempts.

The game combines aerial competition with strategic decision-making and features roles analogous to traditional soccer, including striker, defender, and goalkeeper.

This discipline represents the convergence of technological innovation and teamwork, elevating sport through strategic thinking and collaboration. Drone Soccer transcends traditional athletic boundaries by merging physical execution with intellectual engagement, allowing participants to function as both competitors and problem-solvers. The specialized drone highlights the accessibility of technology while reinforcing the importance of STEM education through active participation in design and analysis.

Unlike drone racing—which emphasizes speed—Drone Soccer prioritizes coordinated team tactics such as passing, blocking, and synchronized offensive and defensive maneuvers, reflecting the multidimensional nature of modern team sports.

Preparing Students for Aviation and Drone Technology Careers

Drone Soccer encourages students to prepare for and pursue careers in aviation and drone technology in several key ways:

Hands-On Experience

Participation provides students with direct, practical experience operating drones while developing an understanding of drone mechanics, foundational coding, and engineering principles. This exposure sparks and sustains interest in aviation-related fields.

Teamwork and Collaboration

As a true team sport, Drone Soccer emphasizes communication and cooperation. These interpersonal skills are critical in aviation and drone technology industries, where success depends on effective teamwork.

Problem-Solving Skills

Players must adapt strategies in real time, cultivating analytical thinking and decision-making skills that are highly valuable in technical careers.

Career Exploration

Drone Soccer introduces students to diverse career opportunities in aviation and drone technology, encouraging continued education and specialized training.

Inclusivity and Diversity

Drone Soccer promotes inclusivity through its gameplay structure and governance. Input from a community-driven Rules Committee ensures equitable participation across gender and background, supporting the development of a diverse future workforce.

Equipment Details

U19 Drone Soccer “LEARN” Team Equipment Bundle

Designed to field a single team of five to ten players. Playing arena not included.

Cost: $5,590.00

Includes:

(6) Individual Learn Kits (1 team)
(20) Batteries
(1) Instructor Kit
1 Drone Kit
1 Pre-built drone (classroom example / spare parts)
(2) 8-Channel Battery Chargers
(1) U19 Drone Soccer Professional Development Seat
League Enrollment, lesson plans, and additional resources ($550 value)
On-call technical support

U19 Drone Soccer “PLAY” Game Bundle

A complete Drone Soccer program designed to engage 10–20 students and host competitive games. The inflatable arena sets up in under ten minutes.

Cost: $18,750.00