Esports in education: a conversation with Vulpine Esports on the UK's grassroots scene
- Written byMatthew Phelan
- Published date 04 December 2023
As the esports industry continues to gain traction, so does its potential to impact education profoundly. This intersection of esports and education is precisely where Vulpine Esports UK shines. Known for revolutionising the UK grassroots esports scene through diversity, inclusion, and non-toxicity, Vulpine is a trailblazer in this arena. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Lizzie "Kiti" Squires, the CEO of Vulpine Esports and an educational consultant, to explore this synergy further.
About Vulpine Esports
Founded with an unwavering passion for gaming and a commitment to fostering an inclusive gaming community, Vulpine Esports has been a beacon of diversity within the esports landscape. The organisation actively promotes equal opportunities for underrepresented groups, thus enriching the gaming experience and setting an example for other organisations to emulate. Vulpine Esports is on a mission to reshape the esports landscape, one game at a time.
The Journey and The Vision
Lizzie Squires’ journey into esports began with a lifelong love for gaming. "My deeper dive into esports was significantly influenced by my husband, who had extensive experience managing multiple small-scale teams," she notes. Lizzie, along with her husband, founded Vulpine Esports mainly as a hobby. The initial aim was simple: to manage teams and help staff. But what started as a pastime soon ignited a passion for an industry that Lizzie now teaches.
Esports and Mental Health
Beyond the competitive spirit lies a real focus on mental health within the gaming community. Vulpine aims to provide a supportive environment for gamers, an element often lacking in the industry. "My background in psychology gave me both a passion for helping people and the knowledge of how to help," Lizzie shares. This focus has enabled Vulpine to help countless individuals feel safe, seen, and heard.
The Dynamic Intersection with Education
Esports is an ever-evolving ecosystem. According to Lizzie, it has become more mainstream and is attracting a lot of non-endemic investment and infrastructure worldwide. "Thankfully those views that it’s just ‘gaming’ are becoming less noticeable now that there’s more knowledge and understanding," she adds.
Lizzie, being an educational consultant and a lecturer in esports, has extensive experience in the education sector. She teaches and advises on the esports industry at both university and college levels. "Esports has so much potential, especially for young people," Lizzie says. It's this potential that has led educational institutions to integrate esports into their curricula, a move Lizzie fully endorses.
Vulpine Esports and Education
Lizzie's dual roles as CEO and Educational Consultant uniquely position her to foster the relationship between esports and education. "Offering career guidance and facilitating work experience are ways educational institutions can support students interested in esports careers," she suggests.
The Future
Vulpine Esports is committed to shaping the next generation of esports professionals and enthusiasts. They plan to continue breaking down barriers and promoting a diverse, inclusive space for all gamers.
The integration of esports into education offers a wealth of opportunities for students and educators alike. Organisations like Vulpine Esports are leading the way in ensuring a bright future for competitive gaming in the UK and beyond. Find out more about Vulpine Esports on their website.