The eSports Association also has plans to roll out additional clubs at other libraries.

EUROPE–The British eSports Association, a not-for-profit national body set up to support grassroots competitive gaming, has partnered with Westminster City Council and DinoPC to develop an after-school eSports training club.

The initial training club took place every Tuesday for a month at the Maida Vale Library in London. During the two-hour training, 10 different children participated in a session on eSports that highlighted careers available as well as the skills it can develop. It also featured games of “Rocket League,” coaching, casting (aka match commentary) and journalism segments, followed by a Q&A.

Each participant also received a British eSports certificate, t-shirt and cap after the event.

“The new initiative between The British eSports Association and Westminster Libraries offers children a new and exciting experience, which is not only popular and fun, but also develops important skills such as strategic skills and emphasizing the need for teamwork and making computer gaming more social,” says Nick Fuller, Tri-borough Libraries Children’s Services Manager, Schools Library Service, Maida Vale Library.

Following the pilot program, the British eSports Association will now aim to help other schools and libraries throughout the U.K. roll out their own eSports clubs for children.

“The idea is to better educate Britain regarding the benefits of eSports, and to show parents, teachers and children there are viable career paths within the industry,” says Dominic Sacco, content director, British eSports Association. “There is a real demand for regular clubs at libraries and schools, and by targeting the younger demographic, we are looking at the bigger long-term picture with the goal of creating more British eSports talent in the future.”