Esports Leadership Skills

We work with some of the world’s leading educational authorities, partners and wider stakeholders to develop cutting edge esports curriculum, modern, transferable skills and progression pathways in esports, creative, digital, business, sport and STEM industries.

There are a number of esports qualifications available at academic institutions throughout the UK including Pearson BTEC National, Higher National and International Qualifications in Esports, from Level 2 to Level 5 and short courses developed with the Leadership Skills Foundation in Level 1 and Level 2 Esports Leadership. 

As of 2023, close to 10,000 student learners aged 11+ have studied our qualifications.

For more information and to further understand the benefits that esports has in education, please visit our Education Hub or find your nearest provider on our approved Esports Centres Map.

British Esports have partnered with the Leadership Skills Foundation, previously known as Sports Leaders UK who have a rich history of developing Leadership Qualifications for over 30 years in Sport, STEM and more recently in Environmental and Esports Leadership to over 2 million learners. 

The Esports Leadership Qualifications are an innovative digital qualification with a focus on developing and honing leadership skills through esports, empowering learners with the confidence to believe, the qualities to lead and the skills to succeed in education, business and life.

The Esports Leadership Qualifications at Level 1 and Level 2 have a focus on developing and gaining industry recognition for 5 key skills; communication, self-belief, teamwork, self-management and problem solving, through esports.

The qualifications align with the British Esports Student Champs and are appropriate for delivery from Year 7 to Year 13 meaning that more young people now have the opportunity alongside their esports enrichment to gain accreditation for their skill development.

The qualifications have also been mapped into and can be studied alongside the BTEC in esports, with mapped criteria to avoid duplication when deadlines are already tight and workload is high meaning no ‘extra’ work for students and teachers through a blended approach.

The qualifications are also designed to allow multiple levels within one class or to create a progression approach. 

Finally, the level is relevant to level of leadership and not academic level of study e.g. a Level 3 BTEC Esports student would study Level 1 or Level 2 Leadership in the same way they would enrol onto a Level 1 or Level 2 Sports Coaching badge.

For more information, please visit Leadership Skills Foundation.

The Level 1 Leadership Skills qualification provides a foundational understanding of key leadership principles and their practical application within the context of esports. It covers areas like communication, teamwork, motivation, basic problem-solving, and ethical considerations.

Think of it as the starting point for individuals looking to develop their leadership potential in various esports roles, whether as team captains, event organisers, club administrators, or community leaders.

Key focus areas of the Level 1 Leadership Skills qualifications include:

• Introduction to Leadership: Defining what leadership is, different leadership styles, and the importance of effective leadership in esports.
• Communication Skills: Developing fundamental communication skills essential for leaders, including active listening, clear verbal communication, and providing constructive feedback.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Understanding the dynamics of teams in esports and how to foster effective collaboration and a positive team environment.
• Motivation and Inspiration: Learning basic techniques to motivate individuals and teams towards common goals.
• Problem-Solving Basics: Introducing a structured approach to identifying and addressing challenges within an esports context.
• Understanding Esports Structures: Gaining an overview of the different levels and organisations within the esports ecosystem.
• Introduction to Ethical Considerations: Raising awareness of ethical behaviour and fair play in esports leadership.

For more information, please visit Leadership Skills Foundation.

The Level 1 qualification in Leadership Skills is designed as an accessible entry point for a wide range of individuals. 

This includes those stepping into their very first formal leadership roles, aspiring leaders eager to contribute more effectively within esports communities and teams, and younger individuals who have demonstrated initial leadership potential and are looking to develop these skills further. 

It’s also perfectly suited for anyone new to the concept of esports leadership, providing a structured and supportive introduction to fundamental leadership principles and their application in esports. 

Whether you’re a player looking to captain your team, a community member wanting to organise events, or an educator seeking to nurture leadership qualities in young esports enthusiasts, Level 1 offers a solid foundation.

For more information, please visit Leadership Skills Foundation.

The Level 2 Leadership Skills qualification builds upon the foundational knowledge and skills gained at Level 1, offering a more in-depth exploration of leadership principles and their practical application, specifically in esports.

This qualification focuses on developing participants’ abilities to lead teams and activities more independently, manage small projects, and understand different leadership styles and their impact.

It delves into effective communication strategies for leading groups, techniques for motivating and supporting team members, and methods for problem-solving and decision-making within a leadership context.

Level 2 also emphasises the importance of self-reflection and continuous improvement as a leader, encouraging participants to analyse their own leadership style and identify areas for development.

Successful completion of Level 2 signifies a greater level of competence and preparedness for taking on more significant leadership responsibilities in esports teams, communities, and events.

Key focus areas of the Level 2 Leadership Skills qualifications include:

• Independent Leadership: Developing the ability to lead teams and activities with less direct supervision, fostering autonomy and initiative within the group.
• Project Management Basics: Learning the fundamental principles of planning, organising, and managing small-scale esports projects and events.
• Leadership Styles and Impact: Understanding various leadership approaches and analysing their effects on team performance and morale.
• Advanced Communication for Leaders: Mastering effective communication techniques for providing clear direction, constructive feedback, and fostering positive team dynamics.
• Motivation and Support: Exploring strategies for motivating team members, recognising individual contributions, and providing the necessary support for success.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Developing frameworks and techniques for identifying challenges, analysing options, and making informed decisions in leadership situations.
• Self-Reflection and Development: Encouraging participants to critically evaluate their own leadership strengths and weaknesses and create plans for continuous improvement.

For more information, please visit Leadership Skills Foundation.

The Level 2 qualification in Leadership Skills is designed for individuals who have either completed the Level 1 qualification or possess demonstrable prior experience in leadership roles within esports or related fields. 

It is particularly suitable for those who are:

• Currently leading or aspiring to lead esports teams or groups more independently: This qualification equips students with the skills to effectively guide teams towards achieving their goals with less direct supervision.
• Taking on responsibility for organising and managing small esports projects or events: Level 2 provides the necessary frameworks and techniques for successful planning, delegation, and execution.
• Seeking to deepen their understanding of different leadership styles and their impact on team dynamics: Participants will explore various approaches to leadership and learn how to adapt their style to different situations and team needs.
• Looking to enhance their communication and motivation skills within a leadership role: The qualification focuses on advanced communication strategies for leading and inspiring others.
• Aiming to develop their problem-solving and decision-making abilities in a leadership context: Level 2 provides tools and techniques for navigating challenges and making effective choices as a leader.
• Committed to personal leadership development and continuous improvement: The qualification encourages self-reflection and the identification of areas for ongoing growth as a leader in esports.

In essence,  the Level 2 qualification in Leadership Skills is for those ready to move beyond introductory leadership concepts and take on more active and influential roles in the esports community. 

It provides the practical skills and theoretical understanding necessary to lead with greater confidence and effectiveness.

For more information, please visit Leadership Skills Foundation.

The qualifications that underpin the Esports Leaders programme have been designed to be delivered face to face with learners, whether that be in person or virtually. 

Tutor resources have been designed to complement both delivery models and the suggested leadership activities can be delivered through an esports activity or within a generic context. 

The demonstration of leadership hours must be completed through an esports activity. Please refer to the specifications for the relevant qualification level you will be delivering.

For more information, please visit Leadership Skills Foundation.

Leadership Skills Level 1 and 2 have been designed to both complement the BTEC Nationals in Esports and to prepare students for the BTEC Nationals in Esports. 

Whether this is an introduction to esports for students, acting as a springboard to progress into the BTEC in Esports, or to be delivered and studied alongside the BTECs in Esports, there are key links and a delivery model which does not duplicate assessment, but that encourages co-delivery and supports key units of the BTEC in Esports such as Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Esports Skills, Strategies and Analysis, Esports Events and Esports Coaching.

For more information, please visit Leadership Skills Foundation.