The Duke of Edinburgh Award is an awards scheme aimed at pushing young people to their full potential to help the community by developing different skills and completing independent expeditions. Now, Esports have been added as a recognised skill requirement for completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award. You can view the minute and a half-long promotional video on the topic here, but to summarise, Esports are becoming more and more recognised as a desired profession and skill, especially among young people.

Esports widely refers to virtual and video game competition events, essentially the Olympics of the gaming world with various types of Esports ranging from fighting game tournaments to League of Legends, Fifa, Rocket League, Overwatch and so on. For a more in-depth dive into the wonderful world of Esports and why it would make a brilliant base for a film or anime series, have a butcher’s at the video essay by acclaimed YouTuber Gigguk right here.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s CEO Ruth Marvel stated: “Esports is one of the fastest growing activities in the UK and helps young people develop essential skills[…]DofE has a proud history of evolving our programmes to reflect the changing interests and needs of young people, so I’m delighted that, following a successful pilot, we’ve added esports to the DofE Skills list”.

Besides the fact that this means a whole new generation of gamers in the UK have a chance to improve and follow their dreams, I also happen to know someone who’s competed in Apex Legends tournaments, even one third place. This thereby technically makes every move they make a pro-gamer move.

A pilot study by the DofE also concluded with results suggesting that playing esports can help develop skills such as, communication, strategic thinking, leadership and teamwork abilities. And to buck the stereotype of the ‘otaku’ (basement-dweller) or NEET (person Not in Employment, Education or Training), the pilot also found subjects have developed their self-esteem, organisational and social skills at least in part thanks to skills picked up via Esports play. Here are statements from some who took part in the trial:

Hannah 17: “I think the team play aspect of esports – and competitive gaming in general – is just really interesting. How you can form bonds with people and learn how they play and improve your own skills is really cool. Competing in something that big is just really interesting to me.”

Brody 17: “It’s going to be a future phenomenon. Many people think there aren’t many jobs available in esports, but there are loads, from business to playing and shout casting and all the other roles within the esports industry. The fact the DofE is doing esports just gives us more opportunities and more experience to gain skills”.

Tom Dore of the British Esports Association is also pleased with the outcome, stating: “Like all traditional sports, it teaches young people many life-enhancing skills. It can also lead to a whole host of exciting education and career opportunities, not just within the global esports industry, but also wider digital, creative and STEM based industries”.

A Brief History: The Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

• The DofE was set up by The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip in 1956.
• 6.7 million young people have taken part, with 3.1 million achieving their award.
• 14- 24 year olds can take part and earn their Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
• Young people learn new skills, volunteer in their community and go on expeditions with friends.

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