Mansfield Mayor Andy Abrahams and portfolio holder for regeneration and growth, Councillor Stuart Richardson were just some of the local stakeholders who attended to discover more about Esports, the courses being run at the college and the commercial and investment potential that this industry has.
Computing teacher Wayne Johnson delivered the main presentation which highlighted exactly what Esports is, dispelling the myth that ‘it’s simply about students playing computer games’. Wayne explained the value of Esports in the UK and the growth that the sector has seen in recent years.
His presentation also covered the range of study opportunities for those considering Esports at higher education. In the UK there are now over 40 degree-level courses in Esports, with more universities considering this subject as an option.
The college has 15 students who have all applied to university this year to study Esports degrees in various forms and branching off into media production and international business studies.
The college, which runs Level 2 Intermediate Esports and the Level 3 Advanced Esports courses, is officially affiliated with the British Esports Federation and the College of Esports, London. The courses cover subjects such as the Esports industry, business, sport and technical studies and have scope for students to enter careers such as broadcaster and production roles, shoutcaster, event manager, web developer and more.
Further presentations took place by Esports students who spoke about their passion for the subject, where they see their skills taking them and how their skills and confidence has developed on the courses.
The Esports learning company Replay was explained to guests and how this, the college’s own Esports league, has had players compete at national level and is helping students to enhance their sporting experiences.
Mayor Andy Abrahams said: “It’s great to see the college at the forefront of delivering new and popular technologies in the Mansfield area and helping communities to understand the potential for education and careers in a subject that may be a mystery to some.
"The students did a brilliant job dispelling stereotypical ideas of 'Gamers' being 'nerdy' introverted young people locked in their bedrooms to confident, outgoing, eloquent speakers with business and transferable skills that can be used in many different industries.
“I was hugely impressed by the presentation, how the students explained the intricacies of this sport and they put across their knowledge and skills with obvious passion and enthusiasm. I think this industry has the potential for real growth in the area.”