Manchester expanding esports offerings
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Manchester University has launched an esports management minor through the Arthur L. Gilbert College of Business. The university says the program, announced during Saturday’s Spartan Smash 2022 invitational, will allow students to study the roles of esports coaches and managers at the youth, amateur, university and professional levels.
The university says students who pursue the minor will focus on coaching concepts and strategies related to communication, training, psychological and mental health, team building and talent management, as well as budgeting and financial planning.
Coupled with a business management, marketing, sport management, data science, digital media or education major, Manchester says the program will allow students to follow their passion for esports in a variety of capacities.
“There is a high demand for professionals who understands the management side of esports,” said Sun Kang, associate professor of sport management at Manchester. “The knowledge students will gain from learning about the complex esports ecosystem, such as the dynamics of esports teams, business opportunities that exist in marketing, sponsorship, event planning and facility management, will help students be a part of this growing industry.”
Manchester currently has several varsity-level esports teams that compete in Super Smash Bros., League of Legends, Fortnite, Valorant, Rocket League and Overwatch. In 2019, the university joined the National Association of Collegiate eSports and officially kicked off its esports program. The school says the program has since grown to include more than 80 players.
You can connect to more information about Manchester’s esports programs by clicking here.