Interested in starting an Esports program at your school? It's easier than you might think! Here are the four essentials you'll need to get your program up and running.
Every successful program starts with a dedicated adult who can oversee the team. This could be a teacher, advisor, coach, librarian, technology specialist, or other school or district staff member.
Some schools have a single coach who manages everything, while larger programs often have multiple coaches or volunteers to help organize practices, supervise matches, and support students.
To participate in WSSEA competitions, you'll need students interested in joining a team. Each game has its own required team size, so be sure to review the rules for the games you're interested in offering.
Don't worry if you're starting small—many successful programs begin with just a handful of students and grow over time.
Students will need access to the appropriate gaming platform for the games they play. Depending on the title, this may include Windows PCs, Nintendo Switch consoles, or other supported hardware.
Many schools begin by using existing computer labs or media centers before investing in dedicated esports equipment.
WSSEA matches are typically played once each week after school and generally last one to three hours, depending on the game. In addition to official matches, many teams choose to schedule practices to build teamwork, improve skills, and prepare for competition.
The more time students spend practicing together, the more rewarding the experience becomes—but practice schedules are entirely up to each school.
Whether you're looking to start with one team or build a comprehensive esports program, WSSEA is here to help. We can answer your questions, provide guidance on getting started, and connect you with resources to help your program succeed.
If you're ready to bring esports to your school—or just want to learn more—we'd love to hear from you!
Join Now or email us at info@wssea.games