The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) and the North American League of Legends Championship Series Players Association (NALCSPA) have partnered to create a new educational opportunity by forging a link between NACE colleges and universities and professional esports players. NALCSPA players interested in pursuing higher education during and after their careers in professional esports will have direct access to recruitment information from NACE schools looking to add to their esports programs. Beyond the pursuit of bachelors, masters and graduate degrees, this partnership includes opportunities for these players to step into the roles of coaches, analysts and other administrative positions at collegiate esports programs across North America. In return, NACE member institutions will benefit from the presence of experienced professional esports players on their teams and in their classrooms.
The NALCS Player’s Association and NACE recognize that due to the current nature of professional level esports pursuits many individuals are forced to make a tough decision between advanced educational opportunities and their dreams at the highest level of esports. Our hope is that is the first of many steps made by partners in the industry to address this dilemma.
“When talks started late last year about educational opportunities for professional players I was deeply intrigued. We’ve known for years that due to the young ages of some of these top-tier professional players that they were forced to make some really difficult decisions for their futures. Certainly, no one wants these players to feel like the door to educational opportunities was closed to them because of their pursuits in the professional space – but that door is difficult to navigate without some effort to make the process clear. Additionally, we were quick to recognize the wealth of talent and expertise these young men and women had to offer to the collegiate space, which while growing at a rapid rate is still very much in its infancy. I cannot say enough about the amazing leadership Hal Biagas and the NALCSPA Executive Committee have shown by taking the initiative to bring our two groups together,” said Michael Brooks, executive director of NACE.
For the last two months NACE has been working with its members to gather institutional information as well as available openings at the player and administrative levels that are specifically targeted for individuals with professional experience.
“The NALCS Players Association is excited to partner with NACE and its member schools to provide educational opportunities for current and former LCS and Academy pro players. These pro players are extremely talented, motivated and intelligent individuals who have much to offer higher education institutions in both the classroom and their esports programs. Working with Michael Brooks and his team at NACE has been a pleasure and the NALCSPA looks forward to a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with NACE and its member schools.”
About NACE The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) is a nonprofit membership association organized by and on behalf of our member institutions and is the largest varsity esports association in North America. Together, our members are developing the structure and tools needed to advance collegiate esports in the varsity space.
About NALCSPA The NALCSPA is an organization run by and for NA LCS and Academy players to inform and enrich their professional experience as esports athletes. The NALCSPA’s mission is to represent the interests and well-being of all NA LCS and LCS Academy pro players by providing access to information, resources, counsel and the opportunity to voice feedback and action change.
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