Flying High at YOSC: SGDC, the UK's Premier Drone Racing Club

Here at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex, we’re proud to be home to one of the most exciting and innovative communities in UK sport — the South Glos Drone Club (SGDC).

SGDC has grown into the largest drone racing-focused club in the UK, with a reach that extends across the country and onto the international stage. From grassroots beginners to world-class champions, the club offers a home for all skill levels and is an inspiring part of the growing high-tech sport of drone racing.

A Club on the World Stage

SGDC is affiliated with the British Model Flying Association and competes nationally under the British Drone Racing Association (BDRA). The club also partners with MultiGP, the leading international drone racing league, which gives our pilots the chance to test their skills against thousands of racers worldwide.

Most recently, SGDC hosted an incredible dual qualifying event right here at YOSC counting as both a UK Championship Qualifier and an International MultiGP Qualifier. The track was part of a global standard, meaning pilots here in Yate were racing under the same conditions as clubs around the world and competing for a chance to earn an invitation to the MultiGP World Championships in the USA.

World-Class Talent, Homegrown Passion

SGDC is not only producing talent it’s setting the standard. In fact, over 25% of all pilots in the 2024 UK Drone Racing Championships came from SGDC. The club is also home to a current Team GB pilot, proudly flying the flag for the UK on the global stage.

But the club isn’t just about elite racers. SGDC nurtures a wide range of skills from brand new flyers to passionate engineers who custom-build their own racing drones using carbon fibre frames, 3D printed components, and advanced electronics. It’s a unique blend of engineering, racing, and community spirit.

All-Year-Round Racing at YOSC

With a permanent base at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex, SGDC operates year-round. In the warmer months, Thursday evenings and Saturdays come alive with high-speed action on our dedicated outdoor racing track. Even through the winter, the club keeps flying with floodlit outdoor sessions and exciting indoor “whooping” events using lightweight drones.

SGDC also maintains a thriving online community with over 700 members on Discord, where virtual races, build advice, and technical help are shared every week especially useful during the colder months.

Mark Your Calendar: UK Championships 2025 at YOSC

We’re thrilled to announce that Yate Outdoor Sports Complex will host the 2025 UK Drone Racing Championships on 20th–21st September. The event will see the top 60 pilots from across the country descend on our grounds for a weekend of adrenaline-fueled racing and we can’t wait to welcome them back.

Want to Get Involved?

Whether you’re curious about drone racing, looking to build your first craft, or ready to take on the competition SGDC is always welcoming new members.

To learn more or get in touch, visit SGDC - South Gloucestershire & Bristol Drone Racing Club

Let’s keep flying high right here in Yate Outdoor Sports Complex..