EA Sports FC and UEFA unite to inspire next generation

Local schoolchildren from UK charity Football Beyond Borders were surprised to see David Beckham enter the pitch to lead a special grassroots coaching session in London.

The eight children were thrilled to welcome their special guest, who joined in with a series of skills challenges before answering their questions, posing for selfies and signing autographs. The event was the latest in the innovative EA Sports FC Futures programme, which helps players develop their skills and emulate the magic of the world-famous EA Sports FC game series.

’’Grassroots football means so much to me,’’ Beckham said. ’’I grew up in the East End of London and I played in the Echo League; it started my career.

’’With EA Sports, this is such an important initiative to be involved in. We’ve seen that when kids play FC, it encourages them to actually go out and play on the field. It’s so important that we inspire the next generation of footballers who are coming through, and this is a big part of that" said Beckham, a previous UEFA President’s Award winner.

The session included training drills featured in the brand-new EA Sports FC 26 game, with the children exploring the in-game challenges before trying them out on the pitch alongside the former England captain.

The drills also feature in the FC Futures Academy, a free online coaching library that takes training practices directly from the game to the pitch. Developed by the EA Sports FC development team and UEFA grassroots experts, they are accessible to coaches, teachers, parents and players interested in improving their passing, dribbling, one-on-one defending and finishing skills.

’’It was absolutely amazing to meet David Beckham. I didn’t think I would ever get the chance! It’s something I’ll never, ever forget,’’ said Marcus, a participant on the day and part of the Football Beyond Borders cohort. ’’’My favourite part was learning the passing drills from the video game and then trying it with my friends. I can’t wait to show everyone at school"

The FC Futures programme is backed by several legendary football figures, including Zinedine Zidane, Marta, Ian Wright and Emma Hayes.

This isn’t the first time Beckham has supported the EA Sports FC Futures programme. He led a training session back in 2023 in Marseille, alongside former team-mate Zinedine Zidane.

FC Futures, launched in 2023, is EA Sports FC’S long-term commitment to community-level football, using the excitement and star power of the EA Sports FC game series, and football legends, to inspire young people into football and grow the game.

As well as investing in over 20 pitches worldwide and multiple partner programmes, they’ve launched FC Futures Academy, uniquely bridging the gap between digital gameplay and grassroots football. The programme now features 17 free-to-access skill games – available in six languages – for budding players and coaches all over the world, meaning that everyone, everywhere can hone their skills.

’’Our goal with FC Futures is to use the power of EA Sports FC to inspire more young people to play football in real life and grow the game for all,’’ said James Salmon, Senior Franchise Activation Director, EA Sports FC. ’’Working with David Beckham and UEFA coaching experts makes that vision come alive, uniquely blurring the lines between digital and physical football. Our investment means that young people globally have better access to the sport.’’

UEFA’s grassroots programme plays a vital role in shaping the future of football across Europe. Initiatives like FC Futures help to ensure that young players everywhere have access to inclusive, high-quality opportunities to learn and enjoy the game. By combining expert coaching with innovative programmes, every child can develop their skills and grow with the beautiful game.

’’Our ambition is that every young person can have the chance to play, learn and fall in love with football,’’ said Olivier Doglia, UEFA chief of football development. ’’Our partnership with EA Sports FC Futures strengthens that commitment, and together we’re providing modern tools, inspiring content and real opportunities that make the game more accessible and enjoyable for all.’’