Three girls from a youth football club will remotely operate a robot inside the UEFA Women’s Euro final on Sunday.
The youngsters from Bridgnorth Spartans in Shropshire will use a laptop to control the roaming device – which is a computer screen on two metal legs – inside St Jakob-Park in Basel for England’s game against Spain.
It means they will be able to virtually explore the stadium, interact with players and presenters, and experience the game from the inside.
“Chloe, Phoebe and Poppy – three of our youth players – have been trained to drive the robot and will be representing the club on one of the biggest stages in women’s football,” said Anne Johnson, the Spartans’ women’s football lead.
“These kinds of experiences build aspirations, create lasting memories, and show our girls what’s possible.”
The opportunity to use the robot, which is supported by UEFA and provided by French technology company Awabot, came through the Make-a-Wish children’s charity, which grants wishes to those who are seriously ill. The charity was running a pilot scheme, with hopes to roll it out in their own work.
The girls took part in the project earlier in the tournament, against the Netherlands, Sweden and Italy.
They welcomed players and officials to the grounds, toured dressing rooms, and watched the warm-up, and even spoke to former Lioness Jill Scott, as well as head coach Serena Wiegman.
“It’s been an amazing journey so far, and now we’ve been invited back for the final,” said Ms Johnson.
