EA SPORTS launches Sam Kerr Football Pitch + FC Futures girls’ grassroots program via Banter

In a case of art imitating life, EA SPORTS has launched a new initiative bridging the gaps between the digital world and real world, with the launch of the Sam Kerr Football Pitch, brought to life via Banter.

EA SPORTS has partnered with PCYC and Sam Kerr to create a pitch in the heart of the football community in Sydney.

This permanent pitch is a celebration of Kerr as an icon for girls around the world and to provide a high-quality space with free access, for young girls to utilise in an area of need.

Alongside the implementation of this pitch is a new 12-month FC Futures girls’ grassroots program, in partnership with charity Police Citizens Youth Clubs NSW (PCYC).

The FC Futures and PCYC girl’s grassroots program aims to support and grow women’s and girls’ football in Australia over the next 12 months and beyond. In partnership with the Western Sydney Wanderers, the program will include coaching clinics and training camps run by Wanderers coaches and players.

Over the next 12 months, training camps will take place across Sydney and NSW as part of the grassroots program, to help grow girls’ football skills across the state and kick-start a new generation of Australian stars.

A key partner for the program, PCYC is a registered charity which provides life-changing youth programs, and supports vulnerable, at-risk and disadvantaged young people.

Fans can also check out the Sam Kerr Pitch in EA SPORTS FIFA 23, as a playable pitch in the VOLTA game mode where players can practice their skills training digitally and the pitch will be available at launch in the new EA SPORTS FC24.

This grassroots program is part of the FC FUTURES initiative; a plan to meaningfully invest in community-level football on a global scale with the purpose of growing the game for all. The plan will see investments over three years across multiple grassroots football projects, which includes FC FUTURES and PCYC girl’s grassroots program in Australia.

Says Stuart Coleman, senior director, Asia Marketing for Electronic Arts: “We’re thrilled to announce the arrival of EA SPORTS FC in Australia revealing a pitch dedicated to our global ambassador Sam Kerr as part of our FC FUTURES program. Partnering with PCYC to provide access to a pitch for the local community in what we hope will inspire the next generation of grassroots players and grow the game in an incredibly exciting time for football in Australia.”

Says Mitchell Loadsman, co-founder, Banter: “It’s such an honour to be part of a meaningful program that will not only inspire girls around the country, but also facilitate training and game play for years to come, to grow the next generation of future stars. The pitch production process was incredibly complex as we had to create an exact match of the in-game pitch. The turf was custom dyed to match the colours and then stitched together on site and we’re over the moon with the end result.”

EA SPORTS
Alexander Kirk, Marketing & Communications Manager, ANZ & EM
Theresa Bray, Marketing & Communications Lead, ANZ & EM
Charlotte Marsh, Engagement Manager, ANZ & EM
Dan Greentree, Head of Asia Publishing & Commercial Franchise Manager (Racing)
Arbie Artinian, Franchise Director – Sports

Agency: Banter
Mitchell Loadsman, Co-Founder
Hannah Jenkins, Senior Producer
Holly Dover, Senior Producer
Paul Den, Co-Founder
Aidan Lynch, Head of Content
Hayley Needleman, Head of Design

Pitch Construction: Sportszone Group

Pitch Design – David Smith, Blood UTD