The Duke of Edinburgh Awards was set up as a development program to foster the youth and help them develop skills that will prepare them for the future. Esports has now been recognised by the program.
“Esports is one of the fastest growing activities in the UK and helps young people develop essential skills," said DofE CEO, Ruth Marvel. "DofE has a proud history of evolving our programmes to reflect the changing interests and needs of young people, so I’m delighted that, following a successful pilot, we’ve added esports to the DofE Skills list."
“DofE is all about helping young people develop themselves, so they have the skills and confidence to make the most of whatever life throws at them," she continued. "Setting yourself challenges and mastering new skills is core to the DofE experience and esports provides a structured and safe way to do this, while also being a lot of fun.”
As part of the research done to make this decision, the DofE team ran a pilot program which concluded that esports helps develop strategic thinking, communication, leadership and teamwork. Additionally, it helps with self-esteem as well as organisational and social skills.
The organization's decision was praised by a number of people including James Fraser-Murison, Head of Creative Arts at Queen Mary's College, who said, "It’s fantastic that the DofE now offers esports as an option for young people. I’m sure it’s going to prove an extremely popular choice with lots of students.” The college itself runs the DofE program and houses esports facilities.
The British Esports Association was also delighted with this move, with Head of Education, Tom Dore saying, "The BEA couldn’t be more delighted that the DofE is now recognising value of esports. Like all traditional sports, it teaches young people many life-enhancing skills. It can also lead to a whole host of exciting education and career opportunities, not just within the global esports industry, but also wider digital, creative and STEM based industries."
However, you're not going to be awarded for just sitting with your squad and playing video games all day. In order to be eligible for the bronze, silver or gold DofE awards, you'll also have to partake in activities like volunteering for a cause of your choice, undertaking a physical challenge, planning and completing an adventurous expedition, and going on a residential trip.