Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) has announced a significant milestone for its EA SPORTS FC FUTURES initiative, which has doubled its impact in its second year. The program has successfully opened access to grassroots football for over 340,000 people in the past year, building on the 170,000 reached in its inaugural year. This brings the total number of individuals benefiting from the initiative to over 500,000 globally since its inception in 2023.
The announcement comes as EA SPORTS FC FUTURES continues its mission to democratize football by providing resources and opportunities for community-level play. The initiative refurbishes pitches, offers free training practices inspired by EA SPORTS FC in-game drills, and collaborates with partners to make football more inclusive and accessible worldwide.
Expanding Opportunities and Resources
Since its launch, FC FUTURES has been dedicated to empowering the next generation of football enthusiasts and coaches. The program provides essential training materials and creates safe spaces for young players to develop their skills. In its second year, the initiative has launched 11 new online practices in partnership with UEFA, expanding the FC FUTURES Academy library to 17 free-to-access drills.
These drills are designed to support coaches and players in daily training sessions, leveraging in-game mechanics to teach core football skills. The partnership with UEFA has integrated these practices into 54 National Football Associations, with over 500 coaches trained in the past year alone.
Global Impact and Community Engagement
The initiative’s reach extends beyond digital resources. FC FUTURES has refurbished eight community pitches worldwide, including locations in Valencia, Spain, and Bañado Sur, Paraguay. These efforts have brought the total number of refurbished pitches to 19 across 14 countries, providing vital infrastructure for thousands of young people to engage with the sport.
Moreover, FC FUTURES has deepened its global impact through partnerships with organizations focused on youth development through sport. Collaborations with UNICEF, Merky FC, and Football Beyond Borders have facilitated numerous community training sessions and events. Notable projects include opening a new pitch in Medellín with LALIGA and a community refurbishment in Cologne with German football legend Lukas Podolski.
Expert Insights and Future Directions
Andrea Hopelain, GM & SVP, Publishing at EA SPORTS, emphasized the initiative’s transformative power, stating,
“In just two years, FC FUTURES has demonstrated the powerful impact football can have beyond our EA SPORTS FC game, making a positive difference to hundreds of thousands of people.”
She highlighted how the program is fostering lifelong sports fans by combining digital gaming with real-world coaching expertise.
As FC FUTURES looks ahead to its third year, the initiative plans to continue expanding its reach. Future efforts will include launching new community pitches, expanding its training library, and forming new partnerships. The program aims to revolutionize coach education by integrating physical and digital football experiences to inspire more young people.
For more information on FC FUTURES and to access the FC FUTURES Academy, visit the official EA website. Press assets are available at EAPressPortal.com.
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment, known for its high-quality brands such as EA SPORTS FC™, Battlefield™, and The Sims™. In fiscal year 2025, EA reported GAAP net revenue of approximately $7.5 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA continues to innovate in the gaming industry.
