Schools aim to build on esports expertise

Esports are set to be introduced at 14 primary and secondary schools in a move chiefs said would build on an area's expertise as home to a national gaming campus.

Sunderland City Council claimed investment of up to £1m would create "the country's largest school-based esports programme".

The authority said the area was "uniquely positioned to be a national leader in educational esports" as the headquarters of the British Esports Federation was located near the Stadium of Light, home to Sunderland's Premier League football team.

Introducing supervised gaming environments in schools could help youngsters develop digital skills, teamwork and confidence, the council said.

The programme is being delivered by the council in partnership with British Esports, which recently opened the British Arena in Sunderland as part of the National Esports Performance Campus.

Schools will receive support including staff training, coaching qualifications, online safeguarding guidance and curriculum resources.

Leader of the Reform UK-controlled council, Chris Eynon, said it could pave the way for more youngsters in the area to develop careers in digital, creative and technology-based sectors, as well as "equip them with wider transferable skills that employers are looking for".

Councillor Carol Giles, cabinet member for children's services, education and social mobility, said: "This programme is focused on children who have fewer opportunities outside school.

"[It is] all about supporting improved attendance, wellbeing and increased engagement in school life, as well as providing children with experiences and opportunities they may not otherwise have, at the same time as reducing digital exclusion.

"Rather than focusing solely on gaming, it uses young people's existing interests as a route into learning, communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving and online safety."

Ryhope Junior School is one of the first schools in the city to complete its esports suite and will serve as the flagship for the programme's launch.

Kalam Neale, vice-president at British Esports, said the programme would create "a connected education and skills ecosystem" - something he described as a "nationally leading blueprint that other local authorities and education partnerships can learn from and replicate".

Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram and listen on BBC Sounds.