According to a report by the European Commission, the global drone industry is expected to create 100,000 jobs by 2025. Drone technology has seen rapid adoption in recent years and is becoming increasingly ubiquitous across a wide range of industries. The global market for drones is projected to reach $41.5 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.8%, according to a report by Markets and Markets.

In addition, according to a report by PwC, the use of drones in Europe is expected to generate over €10 billion in annual economic activity by 2035. The report states that the most promising market for drones in Europe is in the media and agriculture sectors, followed by data analysis, transportation, and emergency services.

Drones have the potential to revolutionise many industries and sectors, including the sports sector. The football sector stands to benefit significantly from the integration of drone technology in various aspects, including aerial videography, stadium and training facility inspection, equipment and medical supply delivery, crowd management, and injury prevention and rehabilitation. Despite the potential advantages, the use of drones in football remains in its early stages, with limited understanding and awareness of the technology's potential and limitations. Additionally, the lack of standardized regulations for drone use in football contributes to confusion and safety concerns.

One of the main areas where drones are being used in Europe is in data analysis. Drones equipped with sensors and cameras can help staff monitor grass and detect early signs of disease or pests, leading to increased efficiency and reduced waste. According to a report by the European Crop Protection Association, drones can help farmers to reduce chemical use by up to 90%, resulting in cost savings and data analysis benefits which are also directly relevant to our project topic.

In the past, groundsmen and green keepers of football clubs would rely on visual inspections and manual measurements to assess the condition of the pitch. However, these methods are time consuming and can be subjective, leading to inconsistent results.

The use of drones in football pitch analysis can provide a more accurate and comprehensive view of the playing surface than traditional methods. The use of drone technology can help to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Traditional methods of assessing the condition of a football pitch can be timeconsuming and require a lot of manual labour. Drones can cover large areas quickly and provide realtime data, enabling groundsmen and greenkeepers to make informed decisions more quickly and efficiently. In order to ensure that the staff and stakeholders in the football sector have the necessary skills and knowledge to use the drone technology effectively, the project will include a comprehensive training and development component.

The target groups of the Flying Forward project are:

• Football clubs: Individuals involved in coaching and managing football teams will receive training and hands-on experience with drone technology, enhancing their skills and knowledge in using drones for performance improvement and sustainability. These professionals will gain access to drone-based solutions that improve efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability in their tasks.

• Sports professionals: Individuals (such as athletes, coaches, football clubs staff, facility staff) pursuing careers in sports or drone technology will have the opportunity to engage with the project, gaining insights and practical experience that can enhance their employability and career prospects.