Fnatic launch esports programme for students

Renowned European esports organisation Fnatic have announced the launch of a UK college partner programme which will support the students who are pursuing careers in gaming and esports. 

Fnatic will be partnering with Access Creative College, Queen’s Mary College and Havant and South Downs College to launch their programme, which will have lectures, industry access and equipment provided to the students. The programme will also support the Pearson Esports BTEC, which is a practical learning-focused qualification for high school students in the UK.

The one-year programme will consist of guest lectures, webinars and networking events. It will also provide students with ‘inside industry access’ to help them gain invaluable hands-on experience. Additionally, Fnatic will also be providing the colleges with high-tech equipment. 

Fnatic have stated six key aspects of the community college programme, which are:

• Lectures: delivering lectures and webinars specific to the curriculum.

• Networking: events hosted by Fnatic will help students prepare for industry events and connect them with future peers, with students given access to Fnatic facilities.

• Real-world task setting: Fnatic will design creative tasks based on the gaming curriculum.

• Discount on Fnatic Gear: up to 20% discount will be offered on Fnatic Gear to kit out arenas and classrooms.

• Access to events and activations: including an announcement-only server.

• Hosting Fnatic tournaments and providing prizes.

James Fraser-Murison, Esports director at QMC and National Trainer for Pearson, commented:

“This is huge for our esports students and also the college. To partner up with the biggest esports organisation in the UK, will mean we are directly giving our esports students a step-up into the industry with first-hand experiences and careers advice and opportunities from a global brand. 

“Their business and educational understanding will also directly link to our teaching of the esports BTEC and also create work experience opportunities within our partnership. As the leading provider of esports teaching in the UK, this type of partnership is key to keeping QMC at the forefront of esports teaching and making sure we can provide industry specific portfolios for the largest industry in the world. We can’t wait to get started!“

Rhys Williams, Former League of Legends coach and player, current tutor at HSDC, said:

“We’re very excited here at HSDC to be working with Fnatic as part of the College Partner Programme. This partnership will open doors for the next generation that were so hard to find over previous years, it has the potential to shape the future of the educational esports scene.“

Sam Matthews, Founder Fnatic, added:

“We are super passionate about bringing new talent into our world and this partnership is our way of onboarding the next generation of gamers, whilst giving back to the community. We’re so appreciative of the college partners who share our vision in supporting the development of these upcoming esports hopefuls.“

Jason Beaumont, CEO, Access to Music Ltd, stated:

“We want to build a rich environment and learning experience for our esports and games technology students across our national network of centres. Partnership with such an incredible esports organisation like Fnatic ensures we can give them a custom, and industry relevant experience. 

“We are thrilled to be working with Fnatic and look forward to innovating together in the creation of sustainable and exciting opportunities for our learners within the esports industry.”