British esports organisation EXCEL ESPORTS has partnered with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE).
As a result, the organisation will host a pilot scheme offering an esports course for the programme’s participants.
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In October last year, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) announced that esports would be added to its list of DofE programmes. Following this news, EXCEL ESPORTS has been named a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award approved activity provider.
The organisation will provide its headquarters to five people working through their Bronze DofE over a 13-week period. The programme will be led by Talent Manager Freeman Williams and EXCEL’s FIFA Manager Samuel Blackett.
Throughout the programme, participants will learn ‘skills for life’ ranging from leadership to strategic thinking. In addition, the two parties will take part in ‘wider activations’ to help young people across London.
Wouter Sleijffers, CEO of EXCEL ESPORTS, spoke on the collaboration: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award helps thousands of young people each year to develop themselves and we are proud to offer support for those hoping to complete the programme.
“At EXCEL ESPORTS, we believe that esports has a broader purpose than a social activity or form of entertainment – the industry is innovating in digital competition as well as the way we learn new skills in an ever-changing world.”
According to a study conducted by EXCEL ESPORTS, nine out of ten London teenagers believe video games and participating in esports equips them with life skills to use in the future. In addition, 63 percent of study participants believe the inclusion of esports in the DofE programme would encourage them to sign up.
Vicky Ellaway-Barnard, Programme Innovation Manager at DofE, also commented: “We’re delighted that EXCEL ESPORTS are creating more opportunities for young people to take part in esports for their DofE.
“The DofE is all about giving young people the skills, confidence and self-belief to succeed in life – so esports is a perfect fit for DofE programmes.”
Esports Insider says: With DofE expanding its offerings, partnering with a well-known British organisation in the form of EXCEL ESPORTS is a great place to start. If the pilot programme goes well, expansion into Silver and Gold DofE programmes is the next step for what looks to be an exciting collaboration.
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