How to start an esports program in your school

TL;DR "Start your esports program by gathering support, forming committees, choosing games, assigning a coach, set expectations, engaging the community, and monitoring your team's progress."

Introduction

Esports has rapidly grown in popularity and has transformed from a niche gaming hobby into a professional, competitive industry. With the rise of esports, many schools are now considering integrating it into their curriculum, recognizing the potential benefits of fostering teamwork, critical thinking, and strategic decision-making skills in students. If you're looking for a guide on how to start an esports program in your school, you've come to the right place.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of establishing an esports program from scratch, covering everything from gathering support to creating a sustainable esports infrastructure. By the end, you'll have a solid foundation to begin your journey toward integrating esports into your curriculum.

Building support from your school

Garner Support and Build a Case for Esports

The first step in starting an esports program is to garner support from key stakeholders in your school. This includes teachers, administrators, and even parents. You'll need to build a strong case for the program, highlighting the benefits of esports and addressing potential concerns.

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Begin by conducting research on the impact of esports on academic performance, mental health, and social skills. Present your findings to stakeholders and emphasize how an esports program can contribute to a well-rounded education.

Form an Esports Committee

Once you have the support of key stakeholders, establish an esports committee comprising teachers, administrators, and interested students. The committee will be responsible for guiding the development and implementation of the esports program.

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Assign roles to committee members, such as program coordinator, coach, or technical support, to ensure a smooth and efficient operation. The committee will also be in charge of setting goals and objectives for the program and monitoring its progress.

Infrastructure and resources

Assess Your School's Infrastructure

Before diving into creating an esports program, assess your school's existing infrastructure. This includes available equipment, internet capabilities, and physical space. Consider the following:

• Are there enough computers with the necessary specifications to support modern esports titles?
• Is the internet connection reliable and fast enough to support online gaming?
• Is there a dedicated space that can be used for practice and competitions?

Identify any gaps in your infrastructure and make a plan to address them. This may involve seeking funding, donations, or partnerships to acquire the necessary resources.

Choose the Right Esports Titles

Selecting the right esports titles for your program is crucial, as it can significantly impact the success and engagement of your students. Consider the following factors when selecting esports titles:

• Popularity: Choose games that are popular among your students and have an active competitive scene.
• Learning Curve: Opt for games with a manageable learning curve, allowing students to quickly grasp the basics and develop their skills.
• Age Appropriateness: Ensure the games are suitable for your students' age group and adhere to your school's policies.
• Genre Variety: Offer a diverse range of genres, such as first-person shooters, multiplayer online battle arenas, and sports simulations, to cater to different interests.

Develop a Budget

Starting an esports program can be costly, especially if you need to upgrade your school's infrastructure. Develop a budget that outlines the necessary expenses, such as equipment, software, internet upgrades, and tournament fees.

Look for potential funding sources, including school budgets, grants, sponsorships, and fundraisers. Be prepared to present a detailed budget proposal to school administrators and other stakeholders. Using esports coaching software like Game Lens can help reduce overall costs.

Coaching, training, and conduct

Establish a Coaching and Training Framework

The success of your esports program will depend on the quality of coaching and training provided to students. Hire or appoint coaches with experience in esports, either as players or coaches. They should be knowledgeable about the chosen titles and able to effectively communicate strategies and techniques to students.

Develop a training schedule that balances practice time, scrimmages, and tournaments. Encourage coaches to continuously improve their skills and stay up-to-date with the latest game updates and strategies.

In addition to game-specific training, consider incorporating physical exercise, mental health support, and team-building activities into the program. This holistic approach will help students develop as players and individuals, fostering a positive gaming environment.

Create a Code of Conduct and Set Expectations

Establish a code of conduct for your esports program that outlines acceptable behavior, both online and offline. This should include guidelines on sportsmanship, teamwork, communication, and respect for other players, coaches, and opponents.

Communicate these expectations clearly to students and enforce them consistently. By creating a culture of respect and professionalism, you can promote a positive gaming environment that encourages growth and development.

Scheduling and competitions

Establish a Schedule and Plan Competitions

Create a schedule for your esports program, including regular practice sessions, scrimmages, and esports tournaments. Depending on your goals and resources, you can choose to participate in local, regional, or national competitions. Research esports leagues and tournaments that cater to schools, such as the High School Esports League (HSEL) or the North American Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF).

When planning competitions, be mindful of the academic calendar and ensure that students can balance their esports commitments with their academic responsibilities.

Community engagement and program evaluation

Engage the Community and Build a Fanbase

An engaged community can significantly contribute to the success of your esports program. Keep students, parents, and staff informed about the team's progress and achievements. Share updates through newsletters, social media, and school announcements.

Organize events, such as viewing parties or exhibition matches, to showcase your esports program and foster school spirit. By creating a supportive and enthusiastic community, you can bolster the growth of your esports program.

Leveraging Live Streaming to Engage Audiences

Live streaming is a powerful tool in the esports industry, allowing fans to access tournaments and matches in real-time. By incorporating live streaming into your school's esports program, you can foster school spirit, showcase student talent, and attract sponsorships and partnerships. Additionally, live streaming generates shareable content that can be repurposed across various platforms to keep your community informed and engaged, while also attracting new supporters.

Incorporating live streaming into your school's esports program can significantly contribute to its success and sustainability. By engaging your audience, showcasing student talent, and growing your fanbase, you can create a thriving esports program that benefits both students and the wider school community.

Monitor and Evaluate the Program's Progress

Regularly assess the progress of your esports program to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability. Gather feedback from students, coaches, and other stakeholders to identify areas of improvement.

Consider conducting surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one interviews to collect valuable insights. Use this information to refine your program and ensure it continues to meet the needs and expectations of your school community.

Conclusion

Starting an esports program in your school can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can lay the groundwork for a successful and sustainable esports program that benefits both students and the wider school community.

By integrating esports into your curriculum, you can foster essential skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and strategic decision-making in your students. So, don't wait any longer – embark on your journey towards establishing an esports program and reap the rewards of this exciting and rapidly growing industry.