EXCEL is one of the first esports organisations to partner with the DofE as an Approved Activity Provider

XL news12 May, 2022

9 out of 10 London teenagers believe playing video games and taking part in esports equips them with vital skills for the future

According to new research by London based esports organisation EXCEL ESPORTS, 9 in 10 (90%) of London teenagers believe playing video games and taking part in esports equips them with skills for the future. The study follows The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award’s recent announcement that it has added esports as a skill young people can develop as part of their programme. EXCEL is one of the first esports organisations to partner with the DofE as an Approved Activity Provider and will offer their HQ and facilities to students in a free pilot scheme to complete the Skills section of their DofE.

EXCEL ESPORTS spoke to 2,000 London based teenagers and discovered almost two thirds (63%) believe The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award including esports would encourage them to start their DofE. The study also highlighted the inequality still faced by disadvantaged youth in London, with over one in 20 (6%) teenagers claiming they would like the opportunity to do esports for their DofE, but do not have access to the specialist technology including gaming consoles to do so.

According to the survey, the London boroughs where young people feel they have the least amount of access to gaming technology to take part in esports are:

— Camden (13%)

— Hackney (10%)

— Croydon (10%)

— Newham (10%)

We’re delighted that Excel Esports are creating more opportunities for young people to take part in esports for their DofE. The DofE is all about giving young people the skills, confidence and self-belief to succeed in life...

Programme Innovation Manager at the Duke of Edinburgh`s Award, Vicky Ellaway-Barnard

To support local students to take part in esports as part of their DofE, EXCEL will be offering its Shoreditch HQ, team and technological resources including PCs and games to provide a safe and educational space across 13 weeks free of charge. EXCEL’s Talent Manager, Freeman Williams and FIFA Manager, Samuel Blackett will be leveraging their experience with professional players to help students develop skills for life including; strategic thinking, communication, leadership and teamwork.

Fortnite Manager at EXCEL ESPORTS and supervisor for EXCEL’s Duke of Edinburgh programme, Freeman Williams

As part of a pilot, EXCEL’s facilities will initially be open to five young people doing their Bronze DofE. EXCEL is planning to expand the opportunity to Silver and Gold Award participants in the future and is also set to announce wider activations to help further support disadvantaged youths across London to have access to gaming technology.