North American esports infrastructure company Nerd Street Gamers has partnered with HITN TV, a non-commercial Spanish-language television network, to launch an esports training programme designed to further diversity in esports.
The programme looks to provide professional-level training to young Hispanic and African-American gamers in order to help them break into the industry.
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HITN TV is the largest non-commercial Spanish-language television network, available to 35+ million US households, according to a release.
Its partnership with Nerd Street will see the introduction of a training programme aimed at boosting the number of Hispanic and African-American gamers at esports tournaments, in light of lower participation amongst the groups.
Named CONDUIT, the year-long training programme is designed to prepare young Hispanic and African-American gamers to become professional esports athletes.
The programme involves a ten-week video training series produced by Nerd Street, in which esports professionals will share tips and advice on various aspects of competitive gaming. Additionally, Nerd Street representatives will incorporate their own industry knowledge into the training clips.
John Fazio, CEO and Founder of Nerd Street Gamers, said: “Nerd Street is passionate about bringing esports to new communities by creating accessible opportunities. We’re also excited to partner with HITN to help youth leverage their passion for video games to open the door to all career paths in the esports industry.”
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For the first year of the programme, Nerd Street and HITN are working with five middle schools from ‘underserved’ communities in New York City to launch CONDUIT’s Super Smash Bros Ultimate (SSBU) training series, according to a release.
Young gamers will learn by watching training videos, running drills at virtual bootcamps, working with mentors, and competing in Nerd Street competitions.
Michael D. Nieves, President and CEO of HITN, also commented on the programme: “The esports industry is booming. In the last decade we’ve seen esports grow from streamed underground events to worldwide, televised programs.
“We believe that Hispanics need to be better represented in this growing industry so we are partnering with Nerd Street Gamers to help create career paths for young Hispanics in the esports industry.”
Esports Insider says: With this partnership, Nerd Street shows its commitment to expanding and diversifying access to esports competitions and opportunities. Partnering with a Spanish-language TV broadcaster might catalyse more hispanic gamers in the US, replicating the success we’ve seen with esports programmes in Latin America
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