Suzanne Banas, Ph.D.

I attribute my success to a combination of dedication, passion, and the support of those around me. Being recognized as the Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Educator of the Year for both Florida and the Southeast Region was a tremendous honor, reflecting years of commitment to aerospace education. Beyond professional achievements, my accomplishments are grounded in five years of experience in cabochon jewelry, as well as the invaluable support system provided by my family and friends. Their encouragement has been instrumental in helping me reach my goals.

Currently I am trying to create th first Drone Soccer league in South Florida. It is hard to find sponsers.

Program Proposal:

Creation of at least 10 schools/teams in Miami-Dade & Broward County

Initial Costs: (detail below)

·        Basic equipment which is the “Learn” kit can field a single team of five to ten players. Playing Arena is not included. $5600.00 per school

·        Recommended equipment bundle is a complete Drone Soccer program to engage 10-20 students and host competitive games. It includes Learn Kits for 2 teams/ Inflatable Arena sets up in less than ten minutes. $19,000.00 per school

After initial costs the program is sustainable since the soccer drones would typically just need basic replacement parts and maintenance approximately $600 per school per year. Currently U19 Drone Soccer Professional Development and League Enrollment, Lesson Plans and Additional Resources ($550 Value) are included.

Currently, there are no schools or teams participating in Drone Soccer within South Florida, and we aim to be the first in the region. In the Nationewide league over 270 institutions; 200 school programs have joined the U.S. Drone Soccer Association. 

Why

Drone Soccer is an innovative educational initiative that integrates STEM learning, collaborative skills, 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 the development of 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 an exemplary model for youth development, supporting Career and Technical Education (CTE) objectives and offering robust STEM pathways that prepare students for professional success. More than just a competitive sport, Drone Soccer acts as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and the advancement of aerial sports. Its increasing popularity, driven by international competitions and expanding STEM opportunities, positions drone soccer as a transformative force within the sector.

Drone Soccer provides a rigorous educational platform, challenging participants to assemble, program, and pilot drones. This experiential methodology not only reinforces theoretical concepts but also instills a sense of practical accomplishment and encourages exploration of emerging technologies. By engaging in the careful assembly and programming of drones, students gain insight into the importance of each component, the necessity of perseverance, and the rewards of collective effort.

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, cultivates teamwork and analytical capabilities, and serves as a foundation for career discovery and growth. Students participating in Drone Soccer are being prepared to become valuable members of tomorrow’s workforce, equipped with the dedication, collaborative spirit, and problem-solving acumen required for success.

What it is:

Drone soccer is an organized team sport conducted within a netted arena, where each team comprises five members who operate spherical, caged drones. The primary objective involves maneuvering a designated "striker" drone through a hoop located on the opposing team's side, while defenders attempt to prevent scoring attempts. The game integrates physical aerial competition with strategic decision-making and features roles analogous to those found in traditional soccer, including striker, defender, and goalkeeper.

This discipline exemplifies the convergence of technological advancement and collaborative effort, elevating the concept of sport through innovation and strategic thinking. Drone soccer transcends conventional athletic boundaries by merging physical execution with intellectual engagement, offering an environment in which participants function as both competitors and problem-solvers. The specialized drone, emblematic of technological accessibility and creativity, highlights the significance of STEM education by fostering active participation in design and analysis.

Participants pilot lightweight drones enclosed in protective spheres, aiming to accrue points by navigating their craft through an airborne goal. In contrast to drone racing, which prioritizes speed, drone soccer places emphasis on coordinated team tactics, including passing, blocking, and synchronized offensive and defensive maneuvers—reflecting the multidimensional nature of contemporary team sports.

Drone Soccer plays a crucial role in encouraging students to prepare for & pursue aviation technology careers in several ways:

·        Hands-On Experience

Participating in Drone Soccer offers students direct, practical experience in operating drones. Through involvement in this sport, students develop a solid understanding of drone mechanics, as well as foundational coding and engineering principles. This hands-on exposure serves as an important catalyst for stimulating and sustaining student interest in fields related to aviation and drone technology.

·        Teamwork and Collaboration

As a true team sport, Drone Soccer emphasizes the necessity of collaboration and clear communication among team members. These interpersonal skills are vital in the aviation and drone technology industries, where the successful completion of projects often depends on effective teamwork and collective problem-solving.

·        Problem-Solving Skills

Within the dynamic setting of Drone Soccer, players are required to strategize and adapt in response to evolving game scenarios. This environment cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that are highly valuable in aviation technology careers, where professionals routinely confront and resolve complex issues.

·        Career Exploration

Drone Soccer serves as a gateway for students to explore a variety of career opportunities within the realms of drone technology and aviation. Participation in this sport provides students with the opportunity to discover and develop a passion for these fields, encouraging further education and specialized training.

·        Inclusivity and Diversity

The structure and operation of Drone Soccer promote inclusivity and diversity through its gameplay ruleset and operational procedures. Regular input from a community-driven Rules Committee ensures that the program welcomes and supports students of all backgrounds and genders. This inclusive approach not only enriches the experience for participants but also strengthens the aviation technology industries by fostering a more diverse and representative future workforce.

The most important values to me in both my work and personal life are collaboration, growth, and service. My involvement in the Graduate Student Organization and the Family Counseling Center has reinforced my commitment to supporting others, fostering community, and continuously learning. I strive to bring these values into every aspect of my life, ensuring that my actions positively impact those around me.