A young man from Swords was lucky enough to be the first to try out the FAI’s new BEAM robot and get a virtual meeting with his soccer heroes.
Simon Smyth got to chat with Ireland captain Seamus Coleman and strikers Callum Robinson and Chiedozie Ogbene at the FAI National Training Centre - from the comfort of home.
Smyth was able to control the BEAM Robot, which is sponsored by DHL, from his home in Swords in a trial run as he came face-to-face, or face-to-screen at least, with the stars.
The FAI decided to launch a trial run of the new robotic equipment during the recent international window as the Boys in Green drew 2-2 with Belgium and beat Lithuania with a last-minute Troy Parrott goal.
The association bought the robot as a way to allow young fans unable to attend games through illness, injury or other reasons to experience the matchday atmosphere at the Aviva Stadium.
Similar technology has already been used by some of Europe’s top teams, like Barcelona and Olympique Lyonnais, to bring young fans pitchside virtually.
As well as allowing young Ireland to get an up-close view of the international set-up, the FAI’s new robot will also be made available to League of Ireland clubs.
Young fans of Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians, UCD, St Patrick's Athletic and Shelbourne will get be among those offered a great opportunity to interact with their favourite players on matchday.
“This is a great innovation and we are delighted to partner with DHL to make it accessible to young Ireland fans who not be able to access a stadium or a match,” said FAI community manager Derek O’Neill.
“Children with a serious illness or injury can feel socially isolated and excluded and this isolation and exclusion can lead to even poorer mental and physical health.
“The BEAM robot programme can provide access for children who are hospitalised, incapacitated or undergoing treatment from home to enjoy the experience of visiting their favourite football club and perhaps meeting their favourite players through a robot that is remotely controlled by the child themselves.”
He added: “The FAI intends to make the robot available to League of Ireland clubs to assist their community outreach.
“Many LOI clubs already deliver great programmes and activities to include young and older people locally.
“The BEAM robot can further increase the club’s community engagement capacity by providing an opportunity to reach local children who though illness may have become isolated or disconnected from the live sport experience.”
