British Esports and Loughborough University unite to elevate esports performance

British Esports

5 min read | 10 Feb 2026

Partnership between world’s leading university for sports science* and national federation will put UK at the forefront of educational resources, high performance programmes and research

British Esports, the national esports federation for the United Kingdom, has today announced a partnership with Loughborough University, ranked the world’s number one institution for sports-related subjects.

The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together on strengthening professional standards, education and training across the esports ecosystem.

This collaboration connects British Esports – recognised as one of the world’s leading national federations – with a leader in sports science and high performance, creating a powerful partnership to support the continued development and professionalisation of esports.

British Esports and Loughborough University will work together to:

• Support effective leadership and best practice in esports at national and international levels, helping to inform policy development and sustainable frameworks.
• Develop and promote professional standards across all stages of the esports ecosystem, including elite performance, talent pathways, coaching and safeguarding.
• Create education and training programmes to enhance knowledge, skills, behaviours and understanding across the esports sector.
• Support the development and operation of esports facilities.

As part of this development, the university is expanding its esports provision with the creation of a new Esports Gaming Lab, featuring 40 high-spec gaming machines. This facility forms part of Loughborough’s DigiLabs development on campus and will support teaching, research, skills development and industry engagement in this exciting sector.

The collaboration extends the impact of British Esports’ National Esports Performance Campus in Sunderland, its upcoming arena, and extensive network of national education providers spanning schools, colleges and universities.

It aims to further develop British Esports’ existing safeguarding, professional development and Coach Development frameworks to ensure performance standards extend beyond player development to professional development for coaches, managers and more.

Loughborough University is the UK’s hub for high‑performance sport. In 2024 alone, it supported athletes and coaches to an exceptional 35 medals at the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

As 44‑year consecutive BUCS Champions, the university is firmly established as a global leader in sport performance. Alongside its elite athlete pathway, it is also home to world‑leading sport, exercise, and health sciences research including sports technology, sport psychology, sport business and health. 

The university is also home to many of the UK’s national sport governing bodies and their elite athletes, with Team GB basing themselves at the university ahead of the London 2012 Olympics.

Professor Jo Maher, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sport at Loughborough University, said: “This collaboration reflects Loughborough’s ambition to play a leading role in the future of esports, building on our global reputation for excellence in sport, education and research. 

“By working closely with the British Esports Federation, we can help shape high-quality pathways, professional standards and inclusive opportunities across the esports ecosystem.”

Chester King, British Esports President, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Loughborough University. This partnership further strengthens the UK’s position as a global leader in esports education, safeguarding and talent development. 

“Together, we can raise professional standards, and foster high-performance talent pathways that support players, coaches and performance staff, and create better education and training opportunities across the sector.”*

Best in the world for sport related subjects in the QS global subject rankings.