British eSports Association formed
"An important initiative in furthering the credibility of the eSports industry in the UK"
The UK now has an official body to help build its eSports scene, the British eSports Association. It will act as the National Governing Body for eSports in the UK and will work in conjunction with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
"The establishment of the British eSports Association is an important initiative in furthering the credibility of the eSports industry in the UK. Pinewood is excited to be part of this National Governing Body for eSports and is aiming to have a new National Training Centre for eSports to help with grassroots and future British Champions," said Jules Robinson, head of business development, Pinewood Studios.
Chester King will act as CEO of the non-profit, while Andy Payne will act as chair. The pair will spend the next three months communicating with those involved in eSports in the UK to make sure it represents the full spectrum of the sport. The site currently features a request for feedback from those who are a "player, fan, someone from the eSports or games industry or anyone else." Submissions are welcome until September 30.
"I am an admirer of the work of other sports associations such as British Cycling, and I am very confident that if we welcome and embrace all parties in the UK eSports scene, we can deliver a range of benefits to all players, from professional to amateur in the UK over time. These are exciting times in eSports and the time is right to build this organisation from the grassroots up," added Payne.