AHS, Wheatmore teams in regional drone finals

BURLINGTON — For the first time, North Carolina will host the US Drone Soccer District IV Championship, bringing student teams from across the Mid-Atlantic region to Elon University for a day of fast-paced aerial competition that blends drone piloting, engineering and teamwork.

The event takes place on Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the South Campus Gym at Elon University, 329 S. Antioch Ave., Elon. 

Among those qualifying for the event include teams from Asheboro High School and Wheatmore High School.

The unique event highlights the growing role of e-sports, drone technology and hands-on STEM education in preparing the next generation of innovators.

Drone soccer is an international e-sport where teams pilot spherical “drone balls” inside a protective arena. One designated striker attempts to fly through a suspended goal ring while teammates defend and assist. 

The sport combines high-energy game-play with hands-on learning in engineering, programming and aviation technology. Students participating in drone soccer programs gain valuable technical, problem-solving and teamwork skills while building and flying open-source aircraft on dynamic co-ed teams. Additional information about drone soccer is available at: https://www.usdronesoccer.org/

The event is open to the public.

The  championship also highlights the power of partnership, with Asheboro City Schools collaborating with Elon University and NC State University to bring career-connected and real-world learning experiences to students.