Rugby School Thailand is proud to announce the selection of its first-ever e-sports team! Over the coming term, students in Years 6 to 8 will be trained in advanced platform skills, including the physical health and reaction tests necessary for competing at international level.
Mr Burkill, RST’s Director of Digital Learning, said: “We are very excited to be one of the pioneering schools in developing a cross-Asia e-sports league, accessible by all; we have already gained international interest in this too”.
The hope will be for our students to compete internationally by Term 3 (at the latest) and for this to continue to grow to be a multi-disciplinarian activity right up to Sixth Form.
Budding students who wish to be in with a chance of being selected in the future are being given the chance to join e-sport training activities from Years 3 to 6.
Congratulations to Ethan, Ha Ha, Jade, Jonty, Korn, Luis, Mizuki, Polina, Seb, Sergey, Shaan, Siku, Singha, Sun, Tin Tin and Vasilisa on being the e-sport pioneers!
What is E-Sports?
For more information on what e-sports is, Common Sense Media provide this guide whilst highlighting the benefits of e-sports including:
- Structure: Students who were already spending a lot of time gaming are now doing it together, in a structured environment, as a part of a school-sponsored team with adult mentors.
- Belonging & Student Leadership: The sense of belonging and teamwork is powerful and incorporates school community and pride. Plus, they can develop leadership and self-regulation skills, becoming valuable team members who persevere through challenges.
- Mentoring: Adult mentors are there to shape the culture and narrative around gaming, rather than kids playing in isolation or with strangers, and students can form positive relationships with their coaches.
- Digital Citizenship & Balance: Mentors can weave digital citizenship into team practice in a natural way, including finding balance between online and offline activities.
- Inclusivity: E-Sports have the potential to be inclusive and accessible, so students who might not be able or comfortable with playing traditional sports might find that all-important sense of belonging on an esports team.