National esports body British Esports has secured funding to launch an esports-focused campaign with the English Football League (EFL).
The Safe to Play campaign is set to run across ten football club communities and utilises esports to help young people build digital skills and stay safe online.
According to a release, the campaign will run for six to eight weeks. Each week includes workshops and ‘esports play sessions’ to combine digital learning within a safe and inclusive environment. The funds from the UK Government will go towards training and content development.
Sheffield United‘s Community Foundation will act as the initiative’s accountable body, while Sheffield Hallam University provides external advisory input.
The 10 football club charities involved will act as the pilot for the initiative. Depending on the pilot’s success, the initiative will expand across all 72 clubs that are part of the EFL pyramid.
“We’re incredibly grateful to receive the Government’s support for this new Safe to Play campaign with the EFL,” said Chester King, President of British Esports. “This backing will allow us to work alongside Sheffield United’s Community Foundation and other partners to deliver vital digital skills and online safety training to young people through esports.”
British Esports In 2025
Throughout 2025, British Esports has continued to expand its presence within the UK’s growing esports industry. In July, the national body revealed its dedicated esports and gaming facility is set to open in 2026, acting as a hub for training and education.
Elsewhere, it joined forces with the UK Ministry of Defence to collaborate on the International Defence Esports Games, an annual tournament open to members of the UK’s armed forces.
The UK’s football scene has continued to embrace esports as a fan engagement tool. In addition to the EFL, the Premier League has partnered with EA for the eighth season of the ePremier League.
