Electronic Arts has announced a plan to invest $10 million in grassroots football projects globally over the next three years.
The plan, which is calledEA SportsFC Futures, was announced alongside the unveiling of the Rocky and Wrighty Arena at Turnham Academy in South London (pictured, above).
The project was funded in partnership with the Football Foundation, the Premier League, FA and UK government charity that helps communities improve their local football facilities through grants.
In addition to supporting the creation and refurbishment of pitches,EAsaid FC Futures will invest in training accessories and football equipment including balls, bibs and cones.
Later this year it also plans to launch a publicly available library of training practices, produced in five languages, for young players and community coaches to view online.
Introducing#EASPORTSFCFUTURES, our global plan to grow the world’s game through investment in community football.It all starts here, at Turnham Academy in London, delivered alongside@FootballFoundtnand@IanWright0.Find out more:https://t.co/w1dtuLbNNRpic.twitter.com/cJfLlU8zHj
Today’s news follows last week’s reveal of the logo for the game publisher’s EA Sports FC series,as well as the first details on its upcoming FIFA successor.
“EA Sports FC is a symbol for a positive future of football, and that future will be built on providing young people with the access and tools necessary to follow their dreams,” said David Jackson, VP of brand marketing at EA Sports.
“We are looking forward to partnering with football organisations and icons across the globe to inspire the next generation of young football fans and grow their love of the game.”
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Former Arsenal and England star Ian Wright, and Chelsea women’s manager Emma Hayes, will work with EA as the first FC Futures ambassadors.
“This is where football starts, right here in our communities and investing in the game is a crucial step toward advancing global football,” said Wright. “That starts with providing kids access to much-needed facilities in order for them to be able to play as much as possible in safe, local spaces. I’m grateful my old school can play a part in the future of football, and it’s an honour to be involved.”
