Golden Hills School Division is organizing an Esports league with students from different schools competing, learning and having fun.
Esports is a form of competition with video games. What was once thought of as a solitary endeavour, has grown into a community with teams, leagues, even national programs. At the highest levels, competitions have sold out arenas and had over 6 million online viewers.
Principal of Carbon School Ryan Hatch is the coach of the team at his school. He says students from Grades 7-12 are welcome, and many are forming teams.
“We are doing it because Esports is becoming such a big part of a lot of other schools,” he said. “You look at other schools in Lethbridge and Edmonton and see how wonderful these programs are, how they are growing.”
He adds Esports also provides opportunities for students at post-secondary and beyond.
“We want to make sure our kids have those same opportunities,” he said.
Beyond the fun and camaraderie, Hatch says there are important learning aspects to gaming.
“More than just playing video games, it is designed to develop teamwork and strategy,” he said. “Kids get to strategize and talk about it and plan. It enhances critical thinking for these kids, which is wonderful, as well as quick decisions and adaptation. It also enhances problem-solving skills, that is one of my favourite things about gaming.”
There is also a social aspect.
“You are providing an environment for people to connect and create social connections. You are bringing together kids from many different social groups and backgrounds and finding common ground in this activity, which is beautiful in its creation,” he said.
There are many other skills, just like playing any other sport, such as fair play, sportsmanship, how to win or lose, and set goals. Hatch says they have the same expectations for these students as they do for other sports, including keeping up on their studying and attending school.
While the program is in its infancy, he said some teams are gathering and practicing. The division has selected Rocket League because it is a good entry-level game, and are planning a division-wide tournament this school year.
