EA Sports presents its third annual Field the Future event today, focusing on enhancing youth engagement in football, both on the virtual field of EA SPORTS Madden NFL and in real-life scenarios within the San Francisco Bay Area.
This year’s initiative aims to equip young football enthusiasts with the tools to pursue potential careers in the sport. Attendees will gain insider knowledge and practical skills from professional athletes and developers, opening avenues in technology, gaming, and athletic fields.
Evan Dexter, VP of Franchise Strategy and Marketing for American Football at EA, emphasizes the event’s core values: “Field the Future is about building connections, growing the love of football, and giving back to the community.” This mission encapsulates EA’s broader commitment to nurturing a passionate, diverse fan base and opening opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Empowering Youth in San Francisco
The 2023 Field the Future event in San Francisco introduces specialized gaming consoles known as “Go Karts” to children at the San Francisco Benioff Children’s Hospital, making gaming more accessible in medical settings. These consoles will not only entertain but also provide educational sessions with Madden experts on game development and tech careers.
Moreover, the event will feature a thrilling opportunity for attendees to play football on a Madden Field against the San Francisco 49ers, bridging the gap between virtual and real-world experiences.
Evan Dexter expresses enthusiasm for this year’s event: “It’s going to be our best year yet, and we’re excited about the impact it will make on young football fans in the Bay Area.”
“John Madden’s Vision, Carried Forward”
Reflecting on John Madden’s legacy, where he envisioned video games as educational tools, EA continues to uphold this ideal. By leveraging its unique position in both gaming and football, the company aims to teach, inspire, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the sport.
Leaving Communities Better
At the heart of Field the Future is its community-centric approach, aiming to spark meaningful change and empower youths. Last year’s efforts saw the refurbishment of a high school’s scoreboard and locker rooms in Arizona, alongside significant donations of equipment and video games.
Building on this progress, 2024 brought even more impactful contributions, including a full gaming lounge donation to a Las Vegas school, jersey design projects, a custom Nike shoe, and educational panels highlighting opportunities for women in football.
These initiatives demonstrate EA’s dedication to inclusion and representation within the sport, showing young audiences that their involvement is encouraged and valued.
“Connection, Growth, and Giving Back”
Evan Dexter reiterates the event’s philosophy, emphasizing the importance of connecting with and investing in communities. “Field the Future is about building connections, growing the love of football, and giving back to the community at the same time.”
Shaping the Future of Football
As the field of football evolves, EA Sports remains a leader in innovation, inspiring a new era of young fans and players. The Field the Future event not only fosters skill development and passion but also promotes an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
“There’s an entire team at EA dedicated to bringing Field the Future to life,” Evan notes. “A special thank you goes to Alaias Bertrand and Lauren Kohn, who have stewarded this initiative since its inception.”
Continued partnerships and the passion of all event contributors will ensure lasting and impactful progress in shaping the future of football.
Interested in learning more about how you can contribute to Field the Future? Visit EA’s careers page and join this transformative journey.
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