Interested in coaching or looking to sharpen your skills? We’ve teamed up again with IFoEC, the education partner of the International Federation of Esports Coaches, to offer another esports coach development session.
One course has already taken place and there will be a follow-up discussion in the summer. By the end of the course, you’ll have covered the basics of coaching including how to lead sessions, communicate and manage conflict, and establish professional and safe team environments. Whether you’re new to the coaching game, previously a team captain, or have many hours under your belt, these sessions are open to UK university students in the NSE community regardless of previous experience.
This second course will be held on Wednesday 9th February at 1pm. Thirty places are available so be sure to get your applications in early!
Keen to get coaching? Fill out the form HERE.
Applications will close at 6pm on Wednesday 2nd February.
Overview of the Winter session written by Matthew Watson, Dr Laura Swettenham & Callum Abbott
Last month saw the inaugural NSE x IFoEC esports coach development workshop take place! This online workshop was delivered by IFoEC staff members Callum Abbott (Sport Psychologist*), Dr Laura Swettenham (Sport Psychologist) and Matt Watson (Performance Coach) and brought together a range of UK Uni students to provide insights into the world of esports coaching.
One of the key goals of the workshop was to connect students from a diverse range of backgrounds, Universities and courses who share an interest in esports. 85 applications were received and workshop attendees came from 12 different UK universities and a range of courses from undergraduate to postgraduate level. Most attendees were active in their Uni society and involved in games such as League of Legends, Overwatch, Rainbow 6 Siege, Dota 2, Hearthstone, Team Fortress 2 and Super Smash Brothers Ultimate.
Beyond expanding students’ esports networks, the interactive workshop explored the role of the coach in esports and discussed the variety of responsibilities a coach may have. Insights from research being conducted by IFoEC as well as the experiences of special guest Neyas "Raizins" Guruswamy were shared, with plenty of questions coming in for the pro League of Legends support.
The rest of the 4.5-hour workshop introduced different levels of coaching knowledge and professional skills and involved a variety of presentations and breakout room activities. Topics included interpersonal skills around communication, conflict resolution and effective feedback, as well as reflective techniques relevant to students in both their coaching and personal development. The workshop concluded with an overview of IFoEC, the membership platform at the International Federation of Esports Coaches, and current and future work.
Despite taking place online, engagement and interaction was outstanding throughout the workshop and attendees were clearly passionate about progressing further into esports. Many of the attendees exchanged contact information and provided positive feedback, much of which highlighted the value of hearing first-hand experiences from practitioners in the industry and taking part in structured coach education.
IFoEC is dedicated to supporting coaches and support staff in esports and believes that these roles are key to improving performance, opportunity and well-being throughout the industry. The NSE and IFoEC will continue to provide opportunities for students looking to further their skills in this area, including another coach development workshop on Wednesday 9th February.
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