Drone soccer is a competitive sport in which two five-player teams pilot flying drones via flight controllers within an enclosed, netted playing area. Each team designates one player as a striker, tasked with scoring by navigating their drone through the opposing team’s goal ring, while the remaining four players serve as defenders, intercepting rival drones and guarding their own goal. To enable safe mid-air contact and dynamic gameplay, each drone is housed within a sturdy spherical frame. Rounds last three minutes, with points tallied for every successful goal, and the team with the most points at the end is crowned the winner.
The sport has been steadily growing in popularity around the world, with organized competitions and leagues established in countries like South Korea. NDLS is now championing its introduction to local communities in Nigeria, blending athletics, technology, and creative thinking to equip Nigerian teams for competition on the international stage.
HOW IT WORKS
Step 1 — Build Your Team
Put together a squad of five players and designate a clear role for each. One player takes on the role of striker, while the remaining four serve as defenders. Every player operates their own drone independently using a handheld controller.
Step 2 — Take to the Arena
Both teams step into the fully enclosed, net-surrounded playing space. Each drone is fitted inside a protective spherical shell, designed to withstand fast-paced impacts and physical contact safely throughout the course of the match.
Step 3 — Score and Claim Victory
The striker pilots their drone through the rival team’s circular goal ring to earn points. Every match is broken into three-minute rounds, and when it’s all over, the team that has accumulated the most goals walks away as the winner.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
1.Striker
The attacking player tasked with navigating their drone through the opposing team’s goal ring in order to earn points on behalf of their team.
2.Defender
The players charged with guarding their team’s goal ring and preventing the opposition’s striker from successfully scoring.
3. Drone Soccer Ball
A four-rotor drone completely surrounded by a lightweight yet sturdy spherical outer shell, engineered to withstand fast-paced impacts without compromising player or equipment safety.
4. Flight Controller
A portable remote control unit operated by each player to manage their drone’s velocity, height, and movement throughout the course of a match.
5. Goal Ring
Round hoops positioned at either end of the playing arena, through which the striker must successfully pilot their drone in order to register a goal.
6. Netted Arena
A completely enclosed indoor venue featuring mesh-lined walls, purpose-built to securely contain drones during fast-paced, competitive play.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Class 40
01. Skyfence
A rectangular playing field spanning 7m x 16m, with the longer and shorter sides maintaining a 2:1 proportional relationship.
02. The Goal
A circular goal ring with an internal diameter of 60cm, fixed at both ends of the arena.
03. The Drone Ball
Structure: Spherical outer structure
Diameter: 40cm ±2cm
Weight: Less than 1,100g
Feature: Distinguishable by LED lights
CLASS 20
01. Skyfence
A rectangular playing field measuring 4m x 8m, with the longer and shorter sides held at a 2:1 proportional ratio.
02. The Goal
A circular goal ring with an internal diameter of 30cm, fixed at both ends of the arena.
03. The Drone Ball
Structure: Spherical outer structure
Diameter: 20cm ±1cm
Weight: Less than 110g
Feature: Distinguishable by LED lights
PROGRAMS
NDSL — Naija Drone Soccer League programs are thoughtfully designed to be safe and engaging for participants across all age groups, sparking curiosity in young learners while drawing in enthusiasts and competitive players alike. Working alongside STEM educators, we deliver hands-on training sessions for primary, secondary, and tertiary students, as well as other interested individuals. Our offerings span skill-building workshops, community-based events, and structured coaching programs that strike a balance between enjoyment and meaningful learning.
Program 1 — School Training Interactive drone soccer workshops delivered to primary, secondary, and tertiary students throughout Nigeria.
Program 2 — Community Events Live drone soccer showcases and open community tournaments welcoming participants of all ages and experience levels.