English football club Shrewsbury Town has announced the relaunch of its esports division, Shrews Esports.
In addition to engaging with young supporters of the club, the relaunch of Shrews Esports is part of Shrewsbury Town’s ongoing efforts to enhance its digital strategy, where esports will play a key role in improving fan engagement.
The team will compete in 11v11 and 1v1 EA Sports FC tournaments, beginning on July 5th, 2025, within the Virtual Pro Gaming Pro Series. The Pro Clubs competition takes place at the Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield and will feature clubs from across the English Football League (EFL) and Europe.
As part of the relaunch, the club has partnered with sports organisation Club Connect, which will oversee the growth of the esports division.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Shrewsbury Town on this landmark project,” said Ryan Sparrowhawk from Club Connect.
“Shrews Esports will be a model for how traditional sports clubs can authentically engage with gaming culture while investing in youth, education, and community.”
The club has revealed further details surrounding trials for grassroots esports players and community events will be announced ‘in the coming weeks.’
Football Clubs And Esports
Football clubs and players are no strangers to the esports industry, with several operating esports initiatives. In June, Manchester City launched a promotion for its esports academy programme, which offers a BTEC qualification. Additionally, the club also competes in Fortnite and EA Sports FC.
Elsewhere, esports organisations have also made the switch to the real-world football pitch. In April, G2 Esports announced the launch of the G2 Football Club, which competes in Kings League Germany, a seven-a-side football franchise founded by Spanish streamer Ibai Llanos and former professional footballer Gerard Piqué.
