There is a quiet whirring sound in the air, then they take off. A spherical drone races at speed towards the hovering target – and shoots through the ring at the last moment. Cheers erupt. Applause, music, adrenaline. What sounds like a futuristic video game has long since become reality: welcome to the world of drone soccer. What started as a trend in South Korea is rapidly developing into a new highlight for events, trade fairs and team-building events worldwide. The spectacular drone duels in a protective cage combine high-tech, team spirit and entertainment to create a format that delights spectators – and offers organisers new opportunities. Whether for educational programmes, youth events or brand presentations: Drone Soccer brings movement, emotion and innovation to any event space.
What is drone soccer?
Drone football – also known as drone football – is still a young sport that emerged in South Korea in 2016. Two teams each control several drones in a playing field fenced in with netting. The aim is to fly through a floating goal on the opponent’s side with a special game drone, the so-called “Striker”. At the same time, defender drones block the attackers. The flying drones are protected in spherical cages, which allows spectacular collisions and increases safety.
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Typically, a match lasts three times three minutes, which gives the sport a fast, action-packed dynamic. It is controlled via remote controls and the pilots wear protective goggles so that they can concentrate fully on the action.
At Prolight + Sound 2025, visitors were able to get a first impression of the new sport – and try out the small devices for themselves.
Why drone soccer is ideal for events
Drone soccer is an exciting driver of innovation for event organisers. The combination of technology, sport, show and interaction makes the discipline a real crowd-puller. Here are the key benefits:
- High experience value and audience loyalty: The combination of flying technology, competition and light and sound effects creates a powerful live experience. Spectators experience first-hand how drones race through the air, collide and score points. The short playing time ensures a quick turnaround and many exciting moments – perfect for event stages, trade fairs or city festivals.
- Interactive formats for visitors: Showcases or hands-on stations allow guests to get involved in the game themselves. Many providers offer taster courses or simple control experiments with training drones. In this way, the event is not just observed, but actively experienced – a strong USP in times when experience formats make all the difference.
- Applicable in education and recruiting young talent: Drone soccer can be ideally combined with STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) promotion. The sport is already established in schools in many countries. For companies that present themselves at training fairs or young talent events, drone soccer is an attractive way to convey an affinity for technology in a fun way.
Possible applications for the event industry
Trade fair and congress formats: Drone Soccer can be staged as a show programme or hands-on area at technology, education or innovation trade fairs. The modular design of the pitch (10 × 20 metres) allows flexible integration into halls or open-air formats.
Corporate events and team building: Companies can use Drone Soccer for team events. Here, employees learn how to control drones, develop strategies and work as a team. The combination of technology workshop and playful realisation motivates and promotes teamwork.
Youth and city festivals: Drone Soccer is also suitable for local authorities, youth centres and festivals. The target group ranges from children aged around ten to adults – an ideal starting point for modern, tech-savvy leisure activities. Thanks to closed cage systems, safety is guaranteed even when close to the public.
Roadshows & brand experiences: Brands that want to position themselves with innovation, technology or education can use Drone Soccer in roadshows or pop-up events. A branded pitch or customised drones convey brand values in a spectacular way.
Promoting young talent – making technology a fun experience
Drone soccer is much more than an entertainment element – it is a door opener for young people who are enthusiastic about technology. Access to the game is low-threshold, the enthusiasm for flying is high – and this is precisely where the potential lies: while young people are competing for points, they are also learning about topics such as aerodynamics, sensor technology, energy efficiency and programming.
Many educational institutions use drone soccer specifically to teach STEM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) skills in a practical way. In the USA, for example, the sport is already part of the curriculum at many schools. Pupils there not only learn how to use drones safely, but also how to assemble and configure them and prepare them for competitions. In South Korea, the country where drone soccer originated, the sport has even been integrated into state education initiatives – as a creative tool to get young people excited about future technologies.
Drone soccer is ideal for STEAM education because it requires children and young people to work together in groups and learn through play. At the same time, learning through play encourages the children to develop further. They have a natural flair for seeking out new tasks and overcoming the limits set for them. They learn to find solutions through trial and error.
Alexander Hantke, Head of Solectric Photo / Video DACH
The STEAM perspective is increasingly gaining ground internationally: In addition to the classic technical disciplines, creativity is also deliberately encouraged – for example in the design of the drones, team logos, tactics development or media staging. This makes Drone Soccer particularly versatile: it combines technical education with artistic development, teamwork with strategic thinking and digital skills with a real, haptic experience.
Drone Soccer therefore offers an ideal platform for event formats that focus on promoting young talent, education or corporate social responsibility. It bridges the gap between experience and learning – and playfully prepares young people for the professional world of tomorrow.
Use of drones in Germany – clear rules for advancement
Anyone who wants to use drones – whether privately, commercially or for events – must adhere to clear guidelines. In Germany, the EU Drone Regulation (in force since 2021) regulates the operation of unmanned aerial systems. It differentiates according to weight, intended use and risk – and requires registration, training or an operating licence depending on the category.
Organisers who want to hold drone soccer events should also familiarise themselves with the legal framework. As the drones fly in a cage and in a protected arena, operation is usually permitted in the “open category”. Nevertheless, aspects such as liability insurance, data protection and spectator distancing must be taken into account. Depending on the type of event, authorisation from the local aviation authority may also be required.
New job profiles – the future of drone technology needs specialists
While drone technology is becoming more and more established, the necessary expertise is still lacking in many places. Learning by doing is often still the motto. Although an attempt has been made to structure and organise the topic of “drones” with the regulations since 2021, this is still not enough. Further development and new job profiles are also needed in the professional world – both in the technical and legal fields. Drone pilots, instructors, technicians for unmanned systems, but also specialised aviation lawyers, safety consultants or event technicians with drone expertise are in demand.
There is a need for action here: these new professional fields must be created and institutionalised There are still many gaps.
Alexander Hantke, Head of Solectric Photo / Video DACH
Drone soccer as a game changer for event formats
Drone soccer is more than just a niche sport – it is a driver of innovation for the event industry. It appeals to many target groups in a rousing, compact, safe and interactive way. It combines show, technology and participation in a format that can be customised, transported and scaled. Whether trade fair, festival, team building or youth event: Drone Soccer is ready to take off.
