Esports company PlayVS has announced a partnership with the National Football League (NFL) for a youth-focused NFL esports tournament, called the Madden NFL Youth Championship (MYC).
The Madden NFL Youth Championship is the first-ever youth esports tournament in the Madden series of football games, and will have four qualifier tournaments, as well as two LAN finals.
The new series is a result of a partnership between scholastic esports company PlayVS, known for working with schools and students to organise esports events, and the NFL, one of the world’s most popular sports leagues. As a part of the deal, PlayVS will facilitate all competitions and be a hub for team schedule, chats and brackets, among other things.
The event will be open for all middle and high school students across the United States, and is, according to its creators, designed to promote leadership skill development, camaraderie and personal growth. The tournament will take place in two segments with Fall and Winter tournaments.
The Fall tournaments will have two qualifiers in October and November, and the winners of both qualifiers will win a trip to Orlando, Florida, and compete in the championship finals during the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games.
The Winter qualifiers will take place in February and March, and the winners of these two events will win a trip to Green Bay in April to compete in the finals, set during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Ed Kiang, vice president of video gaming at the NFL, said: “The Madden NFL Youth Championship aligns perfectly with our goal to engage young fans and foster a love for football through innovative and accessible platforms. By offering this opportunity, we are helping students develop essential skills.
“The chance to compete at marquee NFL events like Pro Bowl Games and the NFL Draft provides an unforgettable experience that connects students directly with an NFL community brought together through their love of Madden NFL. We look forward to seeing the incredible talent and enthusiasm these young players will bring.”
