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 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 its inherent inclusivity. Esports provides a medium that attracts a diverse range of 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. 

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 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 prebuilt courses could help you with that. You can alternatively learn how to coach games that you do not know.  It is important to note here that esports is not just about playing video games; it's a competitive and rewarding field that requires dedication and hard work. Implementing an esports curriculum or using esports in any medium in an educational context encourages to pursue their passion while also excelling in their academic endeavors.

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 to related funds and grants. Another trick is to communicate the educational and developmental benefits of esports and its alignment with 21st-century skills with your school administration.

3. Solve Logistic Requirements: Ensure you have the necessary equipment, such as computers or consoles that can run video games, high-speed internet connection, a dedicated gaming room or space, software, and platforms for communication and organization. Please remember that nothing has to be perfect; utilizing what you have is the best way to start.

4. Establish Rules: Create clear and fair club rules that outline expectations, behavior, and responsibilities. This helps maintain a positive and respectful club environment. Address issues such as screen time management, academic performance, and sportsmanship. Ensure that all club members, parents, and educators are aware of these guidelines.

5. Advertise and Recruit Students: Promote the club to potential members through flyers, social media, and school announcements. Highlight the benefits and inclusivity of esports to attract diverse students.

6. Communicate and Set Expectations: Foster open communication within the club. Encourage members to share their ideas and concerns while setting clear expectations for attendance and participation.

An esports 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 to find their community and develop essential soft skills that will serve them well in college and future careers.

4 Examples of Student Engagement: Fun and Inclusive

So, you have started your esports 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;

1. 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.

2. Guest Speakers: Invite guest speakers from the gaming industry to share insights and experiences. This can provide students with valuable exposure to potential careers in esports management. We at Gameplan are always interested in being a guest speaker! Schedule a demo with us and let us know what you need! 

3. Community Service: Engage your club in community service related to gaming or esports, such as organizing gaming events for charity or teaching less privileged children about gaming as a fun elective.

4. 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

Starting an esports club in your school is a rewarding endeavor that not only enhances student engagement and retention but also offers fun and educational experiences. It fosters a sense of belonging and provides opportunities for students to explore potential career paths in esports management. With the right steps and a dedicated team, your esports club can level up your school experience and open doors to a world of possibilities.

Remember, esports isn't just about gaming—it's about fostering skills, building relationships, and shaping future leaders. Now, go ahead and level up your school's extracurricular offerings with an esports club and get started to pave the way for a thriving esports community within your school!

Schedule a 30-minute meeting to learn more today!