UK mobile network operator EE, has launched a new coding app for kids that lets youngsters control the lights of the Wembley Stadium arch.
Light the Arch allows children to design a light show on Wembley’s arch , helping kids who take part learn about the basic principles of coding.
The educational online tool aimed at 7 to11 year olds is based on the technology used to light the arch at major stadium events. It is available for use in the classroom or at home and everyone who creates a design online will receive a video of their light show to share with family and friends.
To encourage kids to use the application, a select few of the design submissions will be chosen at random and programmed to appear live on the arch when the final whistle blows on the England v Netherlands football match at the stadium on Tuesday (March 29).
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The online tool offers a choice of 60 colours and eight configurable base patterns to play with such as clap, sweep, twinkle and rainbow, giving kids an almost infinite number of possibilities for their light show.
For each design, users will have the option to change the length & speed of each pattern and choose their moment to light up the arch including ‘Goal Scored’, ‘Red Card’ and ‘Welcome to Wembley’.
Max Taylor, Managing Director, Digital, Communications & Innovation at EE, said: “EE’s partnership with Wembley has just entered its third year and this feels like a fantastic opportunity to give something back.
“Recent research has shown that the UK will be unable to fill up to 250,000 digital jobs between 2015 and 2020, because of the digital skills gap, so tools like Light the Arch are more important than ever to help get kids interested in technology and coding.
“We hope people of all ages will have some fun with this.”
To create a light show online visit the EE Light the Arch website , where all designs submitted before midnight on Sunday (March 27) will have a chance to be selected to appear at the England vs Netherlands game at Wembley Stadium.
