The Manchester Esports Academy (MEA) has partnered with City in the Community, Manchester City’s official charity, to run a six-week pilot grassroots esports programme.
Beginning Saturday 23rd September, the collaboration will provide training and coaching in esports for 20 young people from the Greater Manchester area. In particular, the programme will focus on young carers or those from low-income backgrounds.
Additionally, the scheme will also aim to provide education on career pathways within esports to parents.
Launched in June 2023 by IN4 Group’s Gametech, Manchester Esports Academy hopes to ‘uncover the next generation of esport stars’ through its collaboration with City in the Community. The six-week course will take place at Gametech’s campus in the Home of Skills & Technology, Salford and will be delivered by coaches who have received certifications from the Esports Coaching Academy.
Whilst this is City in the Community’s first esports activation, its affiliated football club, Manchester City, has been a player in the scene for a few years now. Alongside having its own competitive division in Fortnite, the club has collaborated with the likes of FaZe Clan and Gen.G to host a variety of esports activations.
Sam Dainty, Head of Partnerships and Fundraising at City in the Community commented on the announcement: “We are pleased to be taking our first step into esports as a charity by offering this pilot scheme to our young participants.
“City in the Community exists to empower healthier lives through football, which includes building education and employability pathways for city youth through our Healthy Futures programmes. I know this ethos also rings true for the Manchester Esports Academy, and we are looking forward to seeing how this collaborative project can create new opportunities and skills for our participants.”
