EA Sports - Back in the game
The video game aiming to build skills on and off the screen
At school, Sonny used to struggle with feelings of anger which he feels attributed to his disengagement in class.
For young people who have struggled to engage at school, finding a way back in isn't always straightforward.
EA SPORTS FC players say that the online game gets them playing more football in real life. FC Futures, EA SPORTS FC's social impact programme takes training drills from inside the game and delivers them as real coaching sessions in schools, through partnerships such as Football Beyond Borders.
Lead practitioner Amani Car works with young people at risk of exclusion and disengagement, he knows that FC Futures isn’t just about improving your football skills, it’s about creating an environment of trust and community. For Sonny, it's meant learning to manage his anger, build self-control and pick up real life skills he can carry beyond the pitch.
EA SPORTS FC's work doesn’t stop there. A large part of the programme is invested in developing playing surfaces and community pitches across the globe, from Cape Town to Mexico City in partnership with football organisations worldwide.
Watch this story about meeting young people where they are and using what they already trust to help them go further.