A drone enthusiast is bringing a combination of football and high tech to Cayman’s sporting scene.
Dervon Mckellop described what has become known as ‘drone soccer’ as being “like robotic soccer in the air”.
“Players fly small drones (inside protective cages called ‘drone balls’) and try to score goals by flying through a vertical goal ring while defending their own side. It’s a mix of piloting skill, teamwork and strategy – just like traditional soccer, but with drones,” he told the Compass.
Teams consists of three to five players and matches are often played in three sets, typically lasting three minutes each.
Games can be played indoors or outdoors in a predetermined flying zone that is a rectangle marked by continuous lines and protected with a cage.
There are two pilots’ areas – one for each team – located outside of the cage on its shorter sides. The arenas range from 4 metres by 8 metres by 3 metres high, up to 10 metres by 20 metres by 4-5 metres high.
With the arenas being portable, games can be held throughout the islands. Mckellop aims to have from 10-20 arenas available as his vision is for schools to form clubs and participate in interschool competitions.
Drone soccer started in South Korea in 2016 and has since been growing worldwide. It was recognised in 2019 by the World Air Sports Federation as an official air sport.
In March this year, the federation announced the inaugural World Drone Soccer Championships, which is set to be hosted in Shanghai, China, on 15-18 Nov.
Mckellop said that bringing drone soccer to Cayman “isn’t just about starting a sport – it’s about creating a movement that connects play, passion and possibility”.
“My inspiration stems from multiple sources,” Mckellop said if his reason for bringing drone soccer to Cayman. “First, I have a deep-rooted passion for technology, which has led me to immerse myself in the drone industry for over 10 years.”
He is a licensed commercial drone pilot and the founder of a regional drone-services company. Additionally, for more than four years, he has been committed to the DRIFT Enterprise Drones in School programme, which “transforms classrooms into interactive learning environments by integrating drone technology”.
Mckellop has taken the lead in introducing the sport to Cayman, along with members of his company, DRIFT Enterprise UAV Services.
He also anticipates the new sport will help boost local tourism, expand the events calendar, create career pathways, build community and benefit education.
“By integrating drones into lessons, educators can bridge theoretical concepts across various subjects with practical, real-world applications, enriching the overall learning experience,” he said.
“There’s a palpable buzz in the community about this sport, with both youngsters and seniors eager to try it out,” Mckellop added.
“I’ve spoken with several individuals who, due to physical challenges in traditional football, are excited about the potential to learn and participate in this new, innovative activity.”
Launching in Cayman next month
In an interview with Compass TV, Mckellop noted that drone soccer is a “game of every ability”. Emphasising that the sport is open to everyone, regardless of age or skill, he said a team could have a 10-year-old player, a senior and a wheelchair user.
For the long term in Cayman, he said he hopes to build a strong foundation in the schools, establish a national league and to have athletes representing Cayman internationally.
He also aims introduce training – leading to player certification – that would include basic drone piloting skills, repair and coding for autonomous flight.
Mckellop said that a public launch will be held on 7 June from 1-5pm at Gardenia Court, Camana Bay. This event will allow interested persons the opportunity to experience and witness drone soccer up close and personal for the first time in Cayman.
“When it comes to technology, creativity, and innovation,” he said, “there is much untapped potential in the Cayman Islands – especially among young people.”
