Secondary schools from across Scottish Borders took part in the first Esports development event to take place in the region this week.
The event in collaboration with Borders College, Scottish Borders Council, DYW Borders and South of Scotland Enterprise took place on Wednesday 13 November and gave young people a platform to develop the entrepreneurial skills required to create, promote, and manage an Esports team.
With over 100 pupils participating in the day, 24 teams were able to compete across four leagues in a mini-Esports competition. Pupils also enjoyed learning development and gaming sessions, with each group being able to meet and learn more about Esports and the wider creative economy.
Guest speakers included Esports industry veteran and Team Dignitas founder Michael O’Dell (ODEE), who is currently Director of Pro Gaming and Esports for SCAN Computers, along with Paul Coyle, Business Manager and Esports and Gaming in Education for SCAN Computers.
Odee and Paul gave an inspiring presentation on the Esports industry, highlighting to pupils the wide range of career pathways linked to the industry, from roles in Esports such as coaching, analysis and playing professionally to tech-based careers such as gaming design, gaming systems, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. The pair also highlighted the academic links and skills sets that develop through Esports.
With Esports due to have its own Olympics under the International Olympic Committee, pupils were also able to chat to Esports gamer Reece Devlin, who represented Scotland at Euro 2020.
Councillor Euan Jardine, Leader of Scottish Borders Council, said: “Today has been incredibly exciting and I’m delighted that the first Borders Esports development event has taken place. This is an exciting journey as we bring Esports into our communities and continue to create and develop new and exciting pathways for our young people”.
Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive of South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), added: “Last year, with support from both local councils, we produced the first ever South of Scotland Creative Economy Guide, which highlighted the importance of our culture and creativity in driving economic growth.”