Electronic sports, or esports, are surging in popularity as both recreational and competitive activities. Originating from the arcade games of the 1980s, this sector now has an estimated 300 million competitive gamers worldwide who participate in thousands of organised multiplayer competitions each year.
For many, the idea of electronic sports prompts negative images of young people spending solitary hours on the sofa using a video console. However, DGI ESPORT recognises that the sector has real potential to benefit grassroots communities through increased engagement. Furthermore, emerging technologies such as 3D headsets and body sensors mean that e-gamers can potentially be as physically active as other sportsmen and women.
DGI ESPORT was founded in 2017 to support the development of the sector and educate the public on its benefits and potential. Founded on the belief that esport has the power to create a strong sense of community and to boost club and association membership, DGI ESPORT aims to create positive, motivational and stimulating esports environments with room for all, regardless of age and skill level.
DGI ESPORT seeks to integrate esports into traditional grassroots sports clubs by highlighting the individual and social benefits that can be gained by both gamers and the clubs themselves. While players improve their offline networks, sense of community and gaming skills, the clubs attract new members from diverse backgrounds, attract new trainers and volunteers and enhance their proactive, community-oriented image.
DGI ESPORT identifies models that enable community sports associations to offer esport alongside traditional sports. Emphasising that esport isn’t solely a home-based activity, it encourages the integration of young gamers into sports clubs’ social structures, promotes concepts to enhance player skills and create safe play environments and ultimately increase community and social interaction.
DGI ESPORT also provides guidance on start-up, operation, and development, while dispelling stereotypes about gamers. It provides expert advice on a wide range of issues including finances, funding, equipment and facilities. An Ethical Code of Conduct deals with issues such as physical and mental health, gambling, drugs and alcohol.
Drawing from the experiences of DGI ESPORT, DGI has partnered with ISCA at an international level to showcase the most important information needed to successfully integrate esports into local community associations. The European Grassroots Esports Initiative offers inspiration and best-practice advice to promote the inclusion of young gamers in grassroots sport’s value-based social structures. Central to the initiative is a two-year Erasmus+ Sport Cooperation Partnership project that aspires to help community organisations overcome stereotypes and build capacities to deliver grassroots esports activities. As part of the initiative, partners will deliver four national seminars on grassroots esports as well as an international conference. The European Grassroots Esports Initiative is intended to provide inspiration for players, coaches, volunteers and sports clubs at an international level.
DGI ESPORT strongly believes that the promotion of grassroots esport can bring significant benefits to community associations and the gamers themselves.
Read more about DGI ESPORT here
