British Esports, the national esports body for the UK, has launched a range of safeguarding and coaching courses.
In collaboration with UK Coaching, UNICEF UK, and the NSPCC, the online courses will provide insight into protecting children and young people involved in all areas of the esports industry.
The ‘Duty to Care in Esports’ and ‘Introduction to Esports Coaching’ are described as initial learning programmes to cultivate talent capable of coaching esports teams in international tournaments. The safeguarding course involves developing knowledge which will create a safer and more inclusive environment for competitions to take place in. It also highlights the importance of child rights and other areas and how they should be integrated into esports initiatives.
According to a release, British Esports says there is ‘a need to establish effective talent identification and development pathways at all levels of esports’ ahead of the inaugural Olympic Esports Games taking place in 2027.
British Esports plans to field players across various disciplines, with information on which titles featuring at the event still yet to be revealed. The focus on Olympic ambition follows the announcement of UK esports legend Michael ‘ODEE’ O’Dell becoming the GB Esports Team Manager in January 2025.
The introduction of the two courses takes the number of qualifications British Esports offers up to four. Alongside the safeguarding and coaching courses, the body also offers an esports BTEC and a degree.
“We recognise that significant numbers of children engage with esports every day so it is really important coaches and leaders in the esports industry understand more about children’s rights,” said Liz Twyford, Sports Programmes Specialist at UNICEF UK.
“Establishing recognised coaching standards is essential for the growth and professionalism of esports, just as it is in any other sport,” added Hayley Khan, Director of Development at UK Coaching. “Introduction to Esports Coaching provides esports coaches with an introduction to fundamental skills and knowledge to support their players and teams effectively.”
