FC FUTURES is EA SPORTS FC’s global initiative to expand the game for everyone.

Electronic Arts Inc. announced that the EA SPORTS FC FUTURES initiative has opened up grassroots football opportunities to more than 170,000* people during its first year and – as a demonstration of their commitment to growing the sport for everyone – launched a comprehensive new program, Namibia Futures Contractsin partnership with UNICEF. This multi-year partnership will use the power of football to create long-term social change in Namibia and beyond, reaching more than 46,000 children and young people.

Half of all children in Namibia face poverty, which limits opportunities for social mobility, increases the risk of exploitation and abuse, and leaves many girls in particular unable to complete their education. UNICEF has worked with partners in the country to provide accessible interventions for girls to acquire new life skills and vocational training to transform their prospects, often through the platform of sport. Through Namibia Futures ContractsUNICEF will now reach 46,000 young people in Namibia and support them through football-based training and games to realise their potential both on and off the pitch.

“We are delighted to expand the partnership between our two organisations, following more than five years of successful collaboration between EA SPORTS and Soccer Aid for UNICEF.said Andrea Hopelain, GM and SVP of Publishing, EA SPORTS. “Through this program, we hope to make a meaningful impact on many young lives in Namibia, using the power of football and our EA SPORTS FC platform. ‘

“There are 300 million teenage girls worldwide today. With the right resources, networks and opportunities, they can become the greatest group of changemakers the world has ever seen,” said Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK). “Our new partnership with EA SPORTS FC, Namibia Futures, will support over 46,000 Namibian youth in building a better future, both on and off the football pitch. I would like to thank EA SPORTS FC for helping children and helping UNICEF not only improve the physical wellbeing of young people, but also develop essential life skills that will help them transform their lives through our partnership.“

This year marks five years of an extraordinary partnership between EA SPORTS and Soccer Aid for UNICEF. United with the aim of helping protect the game for children everywhere, EA SPORTS has helped Soccer Aid for UNICEF raise almost £100 million to support UNICEF’s transformative efforts.

Shane Horgan, Managing Director of Soccer Aid Productions, said: “We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with EA SPORTS – and deepen the positive impact this relationship has had on Soccer Aid for UNICEF. We are all very proud to be a part of this important work, which we know will continue to help improve the lives of children around the world.“

During its successful first year, FC FUTURES has opened the beautiful game to more than 170,000 people across six continents by:

• Developed and published a library of 7 freely accessible training courses, in collaboration with UEFA, as a tool that young players and coaches can use during training. These FC FUTURES ACADEMY practices are currently integrated into 54 National Football Associations and their coach training programs.
• Supporting the creation and renovation of 11 campsites around the world, from South London to Sydney.
• Supplying over 12,000 balls to grassroots clubs, coaches and kids, as well as other items including shoes, cones, bibs and more.
• Working with a range of organisations, brands and charities, including UEFA Grassroots, the Premier League, LA LIGA and now UNICEF, to make this happen and deliver programmes that have a lasting impact.
• Awarded the first FC FUTURES Hero Award to FC FUTURES Ambassador Ian Wright, in recognition of his incredible work in inspiring the world to love football, as well as his charitable contributions to grassroots football movements.

“It was a busy and very productive first year for FC FUTURES,said James Salmon, Senior Marketing Director, EA SPORTS FC. “We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved so far, and we are grateful to our partners, our ambassadors, and all the incredible community leaders who have helped make FC FUTURES possible. There is still much to be done to support community football on a global scale, but this joint effort will continue to ensure that our investments are felt by local communities around the world, who will truly benefit from the power of football.“

“It is an honor to receive the first FC FUTURES Hero Award and I am extremely proud of the progress this initiative has made across the world over the past year.said FC FUTURES ambassador Ian Wright. “Knowing that the first promotion that came out of this initiative happened in my old community, at my old elementary school, is a very special legacy for Rocky and me. Rocky & Wrighty Arena at Turnham Academy wouldn’t be possible without FC FUTURES, and it’s amazing to see the positive impact our promotions are having on young people in the community.“

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We are also looking forward to the 2nd year Namibia Futures ContractsFC FUTURES will continue to launch new pitches, create and publish more training practices, supply more playing equipment and expand its partnerships so that FC FUTURES can continue to grow the game for all.