Manchester Esports Academy has launched with the promise to give young people from disadvantaged backgrounds access to career opportunities in the multi-billion-pound video game industry.
Local MP and deputy leader of the Labour Party Angela Rayner, Shadow First Secretary, opened the state-of-the-art Gametech campus at HOST in MediaCity as part of the We Invented the Weekend festival in Salford Quays.
The academy, a junior professional eSports education and skills programme for kids aged 8-16, is part of IN4 Group’s Gametech division.
Across the festival weekend, families had free access to its unique Esports Extravaganza, which included taster sessions of the MEA syllabus such as professional coaching, careers education and health and nutrition. It also included casual play on cutting-edge games consoles and mini-tournaments with a professional eSports team.
The MEA will be available for parents through a monthly subscription; however, it will be fully subsidised for young people in Greater Manchester from disadvantaged backgrounds and those presently being supported by Children in Need.
The MEA aims to transfer passion and play into positive personal development for young people. It will educate parents on the career pathways in the fastest-growing entertainment sector in the world and illustrate how the skills developed in gameplay are so highly sought after by employers.
The MEA programme will be delivered by Esports Coaching Academy (ECA) certified coaches, which ensures the highest standards in coaching with a combination of personalised guidance and specialised training modules.
Mo Isap, CEO of IN4 Group, said: “The video game and esports industry is exploding on a global scale and we’re excited to support our young people in the region with the Manchester Esports Academy, in the heart of MediaCity. The career opportunities in esports are immense and we want young people in Greater Manchester to know that they too can be a part of this fast-growing, multi-billion pound industry.
“We believe young people from all backgrounds should have fair access to technology futures, and by supporting local young people to find their passion and harness it as fuel, they can achieve great things in their future careers.”
Abdiqani Ahmed, previously founder of Lionscreed – one of the UK’s most successful professional eSports teams – is now head of eSports at IN4 Group and programme lead for the new Manchester Esports Academy.
“Manchester Esports Academy offers a unique approach by blending professional coaching and soft skills development, with a focus on health and nutrition, the academy offers a holistic educational experience like no other and goes beyond traditional classroom-style training,” he said.
“Aspiring gamers and their parents can rest assured they will receive top-tier training, preparing them for exciting careers in the esports and video games sectors. With its three areas of focus, the Manchester Esports Academy sets the stage for success, fostering a vibrant community of passionate gamers ready to take on the world of eSports.”
Parents and carers who want to learn more about the MEA can register their interest here.
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