National esports body British Esports has extended its partnership with Sunderland College to help foster future talent.
Similar to its original partnership in 2022, the collaboration also aims to support Sunderland in becoming a global hub for esports.
As part of the original partnership, the national body and the college have worked together to offer young adults opportunities to gain skills, knowledge and qualifications that help guide those wanting to start a career in esports.
The extended deal will result in students having access to esports courses that take place on the National Esports Performance Campus (NEPC) in Sunderland. The campus also provides esports classrooms, performance rooms and streaming booths as well as hosting capabilities for esports events and community tournaments.
The Young Learners Esports Career Skills Programme, a summer camp for players between 12-17 years old, also takes place at the NEPC.
Sunderland College has deep roots in esports, operating its own esports team called the Sutherland Seers and providing diplomas that are based at the NEPC. Students can enrol in a one-year Level 2 Esports Diploma and a two-year Level 3 Esports Extended Diploma. From September 2024, students can also enrol to the Level 4 Higher Nationals in Esports.
British Esports has been actively securing partnerships this year having recently teamed up with BLAST ahead of the BLAST Premier Spring Final held in London.
Toni Rhodes, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Education Partnership North East, commented: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with British Esports to ensure our students gain the best experience to prepare them for a career in this dynamic, growth sector.
“I’m looking forward to continuing developing our relationship with British Esports and creating more opportunities for Sunderland and our students. Together we will be at the forefront of new developments and lead the way in creating pathways for young people to progress to an exciting career in esports and other digital industries.”
