Partnership creates over 100 work experience placements

Our new Grassroots Sports Academy’s partnership creates over 100 work experience placements and job opportunities in the field of Esports.

The partnership will give students access to work experience opportunities and career pathways for both current College Esports students and the children of Barnsley. Students will be working on running competitions, clubs and camps throughout the year, leading them to develop and improve their employability skills.

“I’m delighted to announce that we have secured a partnership with the College, that will see Esports industry grow exponentially in Yorkshire.”

Grassroots Sports Academy currently employ six Esports students, Charlie Sanderson, Charlie Wood, Joshua Lee, Nicole Shaw, Ethan Jelly and Alfie Caunt. All students have seen their confidence increase from the hands-on experience and have been recognised by some of the professionals in the industry.

Chris Newton, Managing Director at Grassroots Sports Academy, said: “I’m delighted to announce that we have secured a partnership with the College, that will see Esports industry grow exponentially in Yorkshire.

“We have seen a gap in the market around 18 months ago for an Esports division and felt the time was right to start pushing this, we have been working away and getting stuff in place to launch this correctly.

“We then got introduced to the College’s Esports team to which we have now created and delivered a joint venture for Barnsley’s first Esports event at the Metrodome which as a first event was great. This has led to us working together and putting plans in place to offer the students of the Esports course to have a career pathway with us in what we are trying to build. Watch this space for an event coming near you soon.”

Enzo Guarini, Esports HE Pathway Leader at Barnsley College University Centre, added: “We are truly delighted to offer opportunities that may initially seem daunting. Many are apprehensive about securing work experience in unique industries such as Esports. However, our program demonstrates that gaining relevant work experience and enhancing future employability in this sector is not only possible but also thriving. These collaborations empower students by giving them ownership and responsibility to host tournaments, events, and coaching sessions that serve the community.

“By the time our students complete their courses, their CVs are enriched with digital skills, technical qualifications, and real industry experience. Imagine leaving college or higher education with a CV that boasts of delivering sessions to over 200 students, collaborating with industry experts in gaming, production, and marketing, and gaining practical experience in your field of study. Such credentials are bound to impress potential employers.”