Fort Erie International Academy (FEIA) has entered into a partnership with media and consultancy firm A5 Labs to launch Canada’s first purpose-built scholastic esports facility and competitive programme. Announced on 23 February 2026, the initiative aims to extend the Ontario-based boarding school’s established high-performance sports model—currently utilised for hockey, basketball, and soccer—into the digital arena.
By integrating professional-grade training with academic integration, the project seeks to provide students in Grades 6–12 with structured pathways toward post-secondary education and careers in the gaming and media industries.
Under the agreement, A5 Labs will lead the design of the esports lab, facility planning, and the overall competition structure. The space is set to include high-performance training stations and a fully equipped broadcast studio designed to support curriculum in STEM, digital literacy, and media production. The goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem where students can develop as both competitors and leaders, mirroring the discipline found in traditional varsity athletics.
Regarding the transition into digital competition, William Cockburn, Principal at Fort Erie International Academy, stated: “Esports is the next frontier of our high-performance ecosystem. By partnering with A5 Labs, we’re creating an esports pathway that helps students grow as competitors and leaders, just as they do through our other programs.”
Chris Lamarucciola, Co-founder of A5 Labs, emphasized the long-term career implications of the facility: “Bringing that same structure to esports will allow students to turn their passion for gaming into pathways toward post-secondary opportunities and future careers in media and esports.”
The project has received support from national and provincial bodies, including Esport Canada and the Ontario Scholastic Esports Association (OSEA). Melissa Burns, CEO of Esport Canada, noted that the commitment sets a new benchmark for the sector in the country. Historically, while scholastic esports has seen significant growth in North America, purpose-built facilities at the K-12 level remain less common in Canada than in the United States.
By establishing this infrastructure, FEIA plans to host leagues, camps, and showcase events to connect domestic and international learners with industry partners and top-tier universities.
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