The world is focussed on football. Samsung Electronics Australia has turned that focus onto community football, teaming up with Australian football legend, Archie Thompson, to bring peace to one of the most contested games in Australia – the Saturday sport kids’ football game.

Samsung turned its Galaxy S26 Ultra into a VAR.

The campaign, Ultra Field Test, features local football club, Sutherland Sharks FC, and shows how everyday Australians have the opportunity to help reduce drama on and off the field, using Galaxy S26 Ultra as a pocked-sized video assistant referee (VAR).

With almost 3 million childrenparticipating in organised sport each year, sideline opinions and parents filming the action on their phone have become part of the grassroots sporting experience. With so many eyes on every call, it’s no surprise that decisions can spark debate. In fact, recent research commissioned by Samsung found that 2 in 3 Aussie sports fans (66%)have argued with friends or family over refereeing decisions, while 41%have even witnessed arguments between parents. However, while 69% believe that technology can improve refereeing decisions, tools like VAR often remain out of reach at community-level football.

Ultra Field Test called on the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s powerful zoom and slow-motion video playback capabilities to clear up conflicting calls. Cleverly too, the campaign targeted big purchasers, families, with its on-the-spot product demo.

Archie Thompson commented, “When VAR was first introduced about a decade ago, I had my doubts about how it could impact the flow of the game. At the professional level, whether it was playing for Australia or in the national league, there were always multiple cameras and officials to help make the right call. But it’s completely different at grassroots level. Refs have to make calls without the help of VAR tech – with players, coaches and parents all watching – that’s where the tension can build quickly. What stood out to me is how something as simple as instant slow-motion replay helped diffuse that pressure – it gave the refs more confidence and kept everyone focused on what actually mattered – the game.”

Nathan Rigger, head of product, mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics Australia, added, “For many parents, supporting their kids at Saturday sports is about being present in the moment and capturing key memories. Whether it’s a stunning goal or a match-winning save, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is designed to capture these moments perfectly. With features like Space Zoom, Audio Eraser, and Horizontal Lock, you can relive those memories over and over again.”