British Esports and EFL Join Forces
British Esports has exciting news as it secures funding to collaborate with the English Football League (EFL) on a groundbreaking esports initiative. The campaign, named “Safe to Play,” aims to engage ten football club communities, using esports to equip young people with vital digital skills and promote online safety.
Launching the Safe to Play Campaign
The “Safe to Play” initiative is scheduled for a six to eight-week run, featuring workshops and esports play sessions that merge digital education with a secure environment. Funding from the UK Government will support the development of training programs and content. Sheffield United’s Community Foundation will oversee the initiative, with Sheffield Hallam University providing advisory support. The project will pilot with ten football club charities, potentially extending to all 72 clubs within the EFL pyramid, depending on its success.
British Esports In 2025
2025 marks a year of significant growth for British Esports in the UK. The organization has announced plans to open a dedicated esports and gaming facility in 2026, designed to serve as a hub for training and education. In a notable collaboration, British Esports has teamed up with the UK Ministry of Defence for the International Defence Esports Games, an annual tournament for UK armed forces members.
Football and Esports: A Growing Partnership
The integration of esports into the UK football scene continues to thrive. Besides the EFL initiative, the Premier League is collaborating with EA for the eighth season of the ePremier League, further cementing esports as a valuable tool for fan engagement.