‍Football Beyond Borders are proud to reveal EA Sports as our newest partner under their FC FUTURES initiative. This partnership underscores EA Sports commitment to invest significantly in community-level football, not just through product innovation but also through community investment and partner initiatives, all rooted in the foundations of football. The collaboration will feed into FBBs wider vision is of a country where all of our most vulnerable young people thrive in school.What is the FC Futures School?The partnership's will consist of an 8-week curriculum module for the FBB programme, designed to develop young people's social and emotional skills within the school environment.The "FC FUTURES School," programme is set to engage over 2000 students, integrating classroom and on-pitch sessions to boost SEL skills and improve in school behaviour. The programme will consist of:

• 2 hour weekly group session: 1 hour in the classroom followed by 1 hour on the football pitch using the 7 FC Futures Practices and FBB’s SEL question cards
• 1 full day of in-school pastoral support per week (including target-setting, lesson observations, restorative meetings with teachers and peers)
• Weekly 1-1 therapeutic mentoring
• 1x reward trip
• Parental engagement

Why is the FC Futures School necessary?

‍According to the Who’s Losing Learning Coalition, over one million days of learning were lost due to pupils being suspended from school in 2021-22, the highest number ever, with more than half of children living in poverty. Furthermore, only 40% of disadvantaged students finish school with GCSEs in English and maths (Education Policy Institute).

“This partnership is breaking new ground for how brands can drive impact in young people's lives through sport. The FC FUTURES School will not only center relational practice in schools but also use the power of our young people's favorite game to improve their attitude to learning. We are so excited to be using the world's game to drive meaningful outcomes for young people across the country.” remarked Ceylon Andi Hickman, Director of External Relations at FBB.

James Salmon, Senior Marketing Director at EA SPORTS FC, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing, “EA SPORTS FC FUTURES leverages the power of football to engage and inspire young people and drive positive change, which is why we are proud to partner with Football Beyond Borders. Together we can bring the FC FUTURES Schools program to life and positively impact the lives of over 2000 young people by using their love of football as a catalyst for education.”

Later this academic year, EA SPORTS FC, alongside Nike, will extend their support to Football Beyond Borders through the annual FBB Showcase. This event will serve as a platform for students from across the UK to exhibit their hard work, connect with peers, share their narratives, and enhance their presentation and communication skills.Set to be hosted in London, the FBB Showcase promises to be an inspiring celebration of the dedication and achievements of students nationwide.

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For further details, stay tuned for updates in Spring 2024.

‍About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company develops and delivers games, content, and online services for Internet-connected consoles, mobile devices, and personal computers. In fiscal year 2023, EA posted GAAP net revenue of approximately $7.4 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality brands such as EA SPORTS FC™, Battlefield™, Apex Legends™, The Sims™, Madden NFL, Need for Speed™, Titanfall™, Plants vs. Zombies™, and F1®. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news.

‍About Football Beyond Borders
FBB works with young people from areas of socio-economic disadvantage who are passionate about football but disengaged at school, helping them finish school with the skills and grades to make a successful transition into adulthood. They do this by providing long-term, intensive support, built around relationships and young people’s passions, in the classroom and beyond. For more information about FBB’s work, and the EA Sports X FBB Partnership, visit www.footballbeyondborders.org or email pevans@footballbeyondborders.org

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