CHSAA and PlayVS partner to offer pilot esports program for students
AURORA and LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Today, PlayVS furthers its mission to bring esports to high schools nationwide by announcing Colorado as the newest addition to its roster of partnered states. The current waitlist to build an interscholastic esports program with PlayVS is over 13,000 schools long — 68% of all high schools — and spans across all 50 US states. This puts esports on par with traditional programs like football, which is available in 14,247 schools.
PlayVS is teaming up with the Colorado High School Activities Association to bring students a new opportunity. This opportunity reaches students who may otherwise have no outlet for their passions in traditional sports or extracurriculars. Introducing esports into these offerings provides a safe, supervised space to compete while coaches instill critical teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
“We are really excited to start making video games competitive,” said Coach Matt Flori, Esports Coach, Gateway High School. “This new sport targets a whole new type of athlete to get them engaged in the school’s culture and spirit.”
“We are excited as an Association to begin a fully integrated Esports pilot platform with PlayVS,” said Rhonda Blanford-Green, CHSAA-Commissioner. “We believe our partnership with PlayVS will elevate the student experience within an inclusive and education-based environment.”
“Esports provides a new opportunity for students to become athletes,” said Dr. Clint Kennedy, Director of Education & Acquisition at PlayVS. “It opens the door to scholarships, recognition, and newfound communities on campus. We are excited to work directly with teachers and schools to build out their esports programs this fall.”
During PlayVS’s first year, esports teams nationwide had an average of 15 players per program, with one in three players participating in their first-ever school activity. Over 70% of the students who participated said they found a community to connect with, and more than 40% intend to use their esports experience to apply for colleges and universities.
The cost to participate — $64 per player — is paid for by a parent/guardian or, in most cases, the school. This cost provides students with a full suite of unlocked, in-game content (valued at over $700) and access to the full games themselves (each valued at $20-$60). Most schools already have the required computer equipment in existing labs or libraries, making esports a simple, low-cost/high-benefit program to get off the ground. Schools can register their teams for this upcoming fall season by signing up at PlayVS.com. The deadline for schools to register for this upcoming Fall season is October 11th.
For more information on PlayVS, please visit playvs.com.
