Esports Wales, with Agored Cymru as the awarding body, is launching The Agored Cymru Award in Esports Leadership course.
The programme, which offers a Level 3 qualification, can be delivered in schools, colleges, universities, youth services and any other Agored centres across Wales. The course’s total run time is 60 hours with a lower age restriction of 16 years.
It aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to organise esports sessions that are both engaging and safe for the attendees. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the esports ecosystem and its key stakeholders; hone their skills in leadership roles such as management and coaching; and become acquainted with regulations and ethical practices within tournament organisation.
Alongside the Level 3 qualification offered through Agored Cymru, Esports Wales has made the course materials available through their own site. This includes all the same information, but completing it will not result in a Agored Cymru qualification, which is the equivalent of part of an A-level.
“The hope for the course is that we create an industry standard within Wales. The course can help with CPD, tournaments, and events. By all working together we can create something amazing,” said Esports Wales CEO John Jackson.
“This will allow for coaches to demonstrate that they have a basic level of understanding in Esports, and showcase their certificate and DBS checks on the Esports Wales Hub provided by EpicLAN. This should be a requirement for anyone working in Esports in Wales. It also gives companies and parents more reassurance for events and tournaments happening.
“This course will lead to new courses for coaches, tournament admins, and more. It’s just the start, but this course helps to create a more sustainable ecosystem for esports within Wales.”
Esports Wales is the national body for esports within Wales. Founded in 2018, their core aim is to promote and support the competitive video games industry in the country from the grassroots to the professional level. Esports Wales is a member state of the International Esports Federation and receives funding from the Media Cymru and the National Lottery.
As part of the launch of the award Esports Wales attended the Senedd to speak to Welsh Government officials about their project, which was funded by Media Cymru. The organisation also offered further insight into their mission to elevate esports across the country, providing the Welsh Government with an outlook into the organisation’s future plans.
Those interested in enrolling in the course can find out more information here.
