Why Start an Esports Club?

Starting an esports club can have a profound impact on both students and the school community. For students, it promotes teamwork, problem-solving skills, and leadership development. It also enhances student engagement and fosters a positive school culture. The benefits of esports for the school are equally compelling, as it can lead to increased student retention, improved academic performance, and a vibrant extracurricular program.

One of the standout features of esports is that it provides opportunities for students not interested in traditional sports or clubs to get involved. Student engagement significantly increases with the use of video games and technology in the classroom, up to a whopping 51%. Don’t take our word for it; watch Olivia Calistus from G2 Esports' League of Legends female team, one of the most recognized esports organizations in the world, and her journey from high school esports to a professional athlete.

Esports provides a medium that attracts diverse students to participate in organized school activities. Joining an esports club allows students to make friends who share their interests, gain confidence as part of a team, and develop valuable physical and cognitive skills that extend far beyond the school environment. 

Chris Aviles, who founded New Jersey's most prominent scholastic esports organization, Garden State Esports, shares his insights on the impact of esports clubs and programs: "When students have something they're excited about at school, be it an inspiring teacher, an interesting class, or an extracurricular activity like esports, they're more inclined to attend. Integrating esports into schools is akin to making broccoli more appealing by adding chocolate. Esports, much like traditional sports, serves as that 'chocolate,' attracting students who might not otherwise be enthusiastic about school."

He further emphasizes the positive outcomes observed: "In a recent survey within our esports league, we discovered that students involved in esports activities attended school, on average, one to two additional days over a two-week span compared to their attendance before joining the team. Furthermore, 80% of these students reported that participating in esports encouraged them to study harder and attend school more regularly."

6 Steps to Start Your Esports Club

1. Recruit a Teacher or Staff Sponsor

Find a teacher or staff member who sees the benefits of esports in school and is willing to serve as the club sponsor. Their guidance and support are invaluable. Being skilled in video games or knowing how to play video games is not a requirement. Utilizing pre-built courses could help you with that. You can alternatively learn how to coach games that you do not know.  Implementing esports into the curriculum or using esports in any medium in an educational context encourages them to pursue their passion while also excelling in their academic endeavors. Before doing any work, the most crucial step is to keep your IT personnel informed and in the loop. 

2. Get Club Approval

Work with school administrators to get the club officially approved. This step is crucial for accessing school resources and facilities. By integrating and utilizing esports curriculums into your existing CTE pathways and school curriculums, you can apply for related funds and grants as well. Another trick is to communicate the educational and developmental benefits of esports and its alignment with 21st-century skills with your school administration. Such as communication, collaboration, social and cultural skills, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, productivity in a globalized world, learning-to-learn skills, self-direction, planning, flexibility, risk-taking, conflict management, and a sense of initiative and entrepreneurship.

3. Solve Logistic Requirements

There's a common belief that starting an esports program requires a hefty investment, but that's simply not the case. You can find a way to make it work, no matter your budget. Many schools begin their esports journey using devices they already have, like game consoles, tablets, or even smartphones and encourage a "bring your own device" policy for both staff and students. 

What's more, many popular esports games, including titles like Rocket League and League of Legends, don't cost a dime. To give you an idea, setting up with a Nintendo Switch and a copy of Super Smash Bros. could cost under $500, which is more than enough to get a club or competition off the ground.

If your school already has Chromebooks or a computer lab, these resources can be repurposed for esports after classes are over. Importantly, as esports programs begin to align with key educational objectives and outcomes—boosting student participation, cutting down on absenteeism, preparing students for future careers, and honing their problem-solving abilities—they're starting to qualify for state funds.

So, what do you need to start an esports club? Just a space to play, at least one gaming device (be it a console, computer, or tablet), an internet connection, and a group of interested students. And remember, it doesn't have to be perfect from the start. Using what you already have is a fantastic way to kick things off.

4. Establish Rules

Create clear and fair club rules that outline expectations, behavior, and responsibilities. This is crucial for fostering a positive and respectful atmosphere within the club. Tackle important topics like managing screen time, maintaining academic standards, and upholding sportsmanship. It’s essential that everyone involved, including club participants, their parents, and educators, understands these rules. As a starting point, you can utilize the Good Luck, Have Fun Pledge.

5. Advertise and Recruit Students

Get the word out about your new club using flyers, social media posts, and school-wide announcements. Emphasize the club's inclusivity and the various benefits esports offer to appeal to a wide range of students. It's also wise to involve students in decision-making about how the club should operate. Since gamers often know other gamers, encourage them to invite their peers. One of the most effective strategies for promoting the club and engaging potential members is through conducting a student interest survey. Here’s an example for you to check out.

6. Launch the First Club Meeting

Kick things off with a first meeting that sets the stage for what's to come. Use this time to introduce the club's mission, outline the year's objectives, and get to know each member. This initial gathering is the perfect opportunity to discuss the structured training sessions, upcoming events, and any immediate goals the club hopes to achieve. Make it interactive with ice-breaker activities that allow members to share their gaming interests and experiences. This foundational meeting is key to building club cohesion and excitement right from the start. Encourage members to share their ideas and concerns while setting clear expectations for attendance and participation.

An esports club or gaming club serves as a gateway to engaging a broad spectrum of students in an area they are passionate about. Beyond the joy of gaming, these clubs offer students a positive and supportive environment in which to find their community and develop essential soft skills that will serve them well in college and in their future careers.

How to Start an Esports Team in Middle and High School

Many middle and high schools are embracing the competitive gaming scene, offering students an exciting extracurricular activity. But how do you get started building your own team within the school environment? Luckily, starting an esports team in middle school or high school will be easier after you have established your esports club.  So, Let’s take a look at what else you might need to do. 

Middle school and high school esports teams differ mainly in terms of skill levels, educational content, competition intensity, and the degree of involvement required from participants and supporters. Middle school teams focus more on foundational skills, digital citizenship, and local, participation-driven competitions, emphasizing age-appropriate content and a balanced commitment to cater to younger students' broad interests as well as a higher degree of parental involvement. Furthermore, extracurricular activities have a positive impact on students’ academic motivation and achievement during the transition to high school.

High school teams, on the other hand, engage in more strategic skill-refinement activities with opportunities for national and international competitions. They peek into esports careers and foster greater student leadership and autonomy. Both levels prioritize teamwork and inclusivity but tailor their approaches to fit the developmental and educational stages of their members.  These types of extracurricular activities build on top of the student clubs, increase the likelihood of attaining a college degree by 10%, and look great on applications, especially when these activities are aligned with student interests.  

Taking Your Esports Club or Gaming Club a Step Further

After you have started your esports club, you will have solved many of the steps also necessary to start an esports team, which are a dedicated space, interested students, and dealing with logistical problems. Having students involved in the club is great, but you have a couple more steps to follow before you start your team:

• Select a Game: Decide on a specific esports game title your team will compete in, considering factors like popularity among classmates and game accessibility. If there is enough interest, you can have different teams for different games, or the same team can practice multiple games.

  
  

• Create a Team: Begin by assessing interest among students. A simple survey or informal discussion can help you understand how many students are eager to participate. Students should keep in mind that team members will have to dedicate a significant amount of time to practices and events. Advertise tryouts within the school, allowing interested students to showcase their skills and compatibility with the team.

  
  

• Develop a Practice Regimen: Consistency is key in building a competitive team. Develop a regular practice schedule that balances gameplay, strategy analysis, and physical and mental wellness exercises. Ensure practices are structured to maximize both fun and skill development, as well as setting policies around keeping certain academic standards up, such as attending classes.

  
  

• Prioritize Local Esports Events: Research leagues and tournaments that accept middle and high school teams. Begin with smaller local tournaments to gain experience before venturing into larger competitions. Collaborate with nearby schools to organize friendly matches or joint fundraising events, fostering a sense of community within the local esports scene.

  
  

• Coach and Analyst: These roles can be taken on by students eager to analyze games and guide their teammates. However, involving a teacher as a coach can also provide substantial benefits to the team. A teacher with experience in education and mentorship can offer a structured approach to training, as well as valuable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and effective communication. They're also in a unique position to balance the demands of academics with the commitments of competitive gaming, ensuring students remain focused on their educational responsibilities. Furthermore, a teacher as a coach can foster a positive and inclusive team environment, mediate conflicts, and serve as a bridge between the esports team and school administration, potentially securing more support and resources for the team. 

How Many People Make Up an Esports Team?

There is no single set number for all esports teams. The number of people can vary widely depending on the game being played. Many competitive esports titles are team-based, with common team sizes being as follows:

• Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games like League of Legends or Dota 2 typically require teams of 5 players.

• First-person shooter (FPS) games, such as Overwatch, also often have teams of 5 players

• Battle Royale games like Fortnite can have varying team sizes, often ranging from solo players up to squads of 4.

• Sports simulation games such as FIFA or NBA 2K can vary from 1 to 5 players on a team, depending on the tournament rules.

• Fighting games and some individual strategy games, like StarCraft II, are generally 1v1, though teams may consist of several players who compete in different matches within a tournament.

Boosting Student Engagement with Esports and Video Games

So, you have started your esports or gaming club or are looking for steps you can take after starting your club to boost student engagement and retention. We have 4 examples that you can utilize;

In-House Tournaments

Organize friendly competitions within the club. You can set up mini-tournaments for various games, encouraging participation and fostering a sense of camaraderie. Look for teacher-run state leagues and other grass-roots initiatives in your state. If you don’t have one, start by reaching out to a school near you and challenging them.

Guest Speakers

Invite industry professionals to discuss career paths in esports management, event planning, content creation, or game development. This can provide students with valuable exposure to potential careers in the esports ecosystem. We at Gameplan are always interested in being a guest speaker or connecting you with the right people! Schedule a meeting with us, and let us know what you need! 

Community Service

Transform gaming into a force for good by involving your club in community service projects related to esports. Whether it’s hosting charity gaming events or introducing gaming to underprivileged kids, there’s a lot of potential to make a positive impact. Partnering with organizations like the Extra Life Foundation can provide a structured path for “gaming for good” initiatives within your community.

Game Analysis Workshops

Host sessions where club members analyze gameplay together. This helps improve teamwork, problem-solving skills, and strategic thinking. If you are looking for a more tech-savvy approach, Gameplan’s video review tool is perfect! Students can analyze the games together and leave feedback, questions, and comments to each other.

Conclusion: Building an Inclusive Esports Community

Esports isn’t just about gaming—it’s about fostering skills, building relationships, and shaping future leaders. By starting an esports club, you provide students with a space to explore their passions, develop critical skills, and prepare for future careers in STEM, media production, and beyond.

Let Gameplan help you get started. Schedule a 30-minute demo today to learn how we can support your school’s esports journey!