Esports opportunities – pupils learn more about one of fastest growing creative sectors
Over 100 secondary school pupils from across the South of Scotland have taken part in Esports development events - highlighting the opportunities available in one of the fastest growing creative sectors.
We hosted the events in Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway with partners, with the aim of encouraging further education and future employment opportunities.
Esports figures
It is estimated that the UK video games industry:
- Contributes over £6billion to the economy
- Supports 76,000 jobs across the supply chain
- Over 23million people predicted to participate in Esports by 2029.
Esports events speakers
Pupils heard from leading figures in the industry, such as:
- Michael O’Dell who is Great Britain Esports Team Manager.
- Paul Coyle from SCAN Computers who discussed the transferable enterpreneurial skills that Esports can offer
- Abertay University’s Finlay Pearston shared his experience of working as a computer games designer
- Abertay University's Martin Lynagh discussed his time as a games producer.
Both events – which took place at Borders and Dumfries & Galloway colleges – saw pupils get the chance to learn, game and opportunity to put their creative skills to work.
Pupils were also able to participate in a creative branding session where they learnt more about design and created an Esports logo for their team.
Partners
Partners in the Esports development events included:
- Borders and Dumfries & Galloway colleges
- Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway councils
- Developing Youth Workforce (DYW) in both the Borders and Dumfries & Galloway
- Other organisations involved included CABN/Alchemy Film and Arts and DG Unlimited/Artibrand.
UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Both events were supported by UK Shared Prosperity funding that was allocated through each Council.
SOSE’s Mark Geddes, Strategy Manager - Creative and Cultural Capital, said:
“It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm and engagement from the pupils participating in our Esports event.
“Esports and computer games are an under-developed area of the Creative Economy in the South of Scotland and our intention was to provide opportunities to learn more about one of the fastest growing creative sectors.”
Councillor Euan Jardine, Leader of Scottish Borders Council, said:
“The Esports development event is an incredibly exciting moment for the region, and I’m delighted to see it return to the Borders for a second year.
“By continuing to bring Esports into our communities, we’re opening up new pathways for our young people in skills, careers, and creativity.
“We are leading the way in this space, and I’m proud to have helped shape the policy that allowed Esports to grow here.
“The real success is seeing young people benefit from these opportunities."
Councillor Tracey Little, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee said:
“Our Council is committed to preparing young people for the future and events like this demonstrate how education can adapt to new opportunities in the digital and creative sectors.
“Esports is a fantastic platform for developing vital skills such as teamwork, problem solving and leadership.
“By working with partners and local colleges, we’re ensuring our pupils have access to the experiences and pathways that will help them thrive in tomorrow’s workforce.”
Borders College's Dale Clancy, Head of Sector for Creative, Enterprise, Technology, and Essential Skills, said:
"Providing these opportunities is vital for students in our region.
“Esports is more than gaming – it is a gateway to skills in teamwork, digital literacy, and innovation.
“Events like this help young people see the breadth of possibilities in an industry that’s shaping the future."
Dumfries and Galloway College's Gillian Rose, Curriculum Manager Business, Enterprise, Digital Technology and Creative Industries, said:
“It has been brilliant to work in partnership across the region to deliver an event that inspires young people and opens their eyes to the breadth of opportunities in Esports and we were thrilled to host this event for Dumfries & Galloway schools.
“Esports is an engaging and inclusive way to develop future-focused skills, from problem-solving and communication to digital literacy and creative thinking.
“Watching the pupils get involved and explore the possibilities was a real highlight, and we’re excited to continue growing these opportunities.
“The energy and enthusiasm they brought to the event was fantastic.’’
Kevin Greenfield, DYW Borders’ Programme Director and Regional Lead, said:
‘’Having a local opportunity to explore Esports in the Scottish Borders is excellent for our young people as it gives them an insight to breadth of career and learning pathways available for them.
“It highlights how gaming can build transferable skills and encourage potential employers to see that we are working together in the region to build a future workforce which is skilled and enthusiastic about all the aspects of digital and creative careers.’’
DYW Dumfries & Galloway’s Programme Manager Caroline Davidson, said:
‘’DYW Dumfries and Galloway were proud to work in partnership with on this event in Dumfries.
“Esports teaches our young people so many transferable skills including communication, problem solving, working as part of a team and leadership skills.
“The opportunities within the sector are limitless.”