City College Plymouth, in partnership with Argyle Community Trust, is delighted to announce the launch of a new and exciting Esports Academy.
Located within The Hub at Foulston Park, the pioneering Babcock Esports Arena will provide cutting-edge gaming, education and career development opportunities in the rapidly growing video gaming and esports industry.
Gamers will have access to 20 high-spec gaming stations equipped with the latest technology following the official opening on Monday, 17 March. The facility will offer a unique opportunity for young people to enjoy pay-and-play recreational gaming, gain qualifications and essential digital skills and even pursue pathways to international and Olympic-level esports competition.
The Academy will deliver BTEC Esports courses, alongside Level 1 and Level 2 Esports Leadership Awards, with plans to introduce Level 4 and Level 5 courses in the future.
Speaking on the new academy, Gareth Harries, Head of Education at Argyle Community Trust, said, “The launch of the Argyle Community Trust and City College Plymouth Esports Academy marks the beginning of a new era for students passionate about gaming, technology and digital innovation.
“Esports is more than just competitive gaming – it’s a global industry that demands teamwork, strategic thinking and leadership. The Academy will equip students with the skills, knowledge and qualifications needed to thrive in this dynamic sector, whether as professional players, content creators, event managers or industry leaders.
“With Level 2 and Level 3 BTEC Esports qualifications, alongside Esports Leadership Awards, we are not just educating the next generation – we are inspiring them to dream big and push boundaries. Together, we’re unlocking new opportunities, bridging the gap between education and industry, and building a community where passion meets profession. I look forward to seeing the students thrive during their time with us. The future of esports starts here!”
The esports facility will play an important educational role as well as being a focal point for local gamers and gaming teams. It will support British Esports-approved BTEC qualifications in esports, which feature wide-ranging curriculum, covering areas such as leadership, business and enterprise, digital media, sport psychology, nutrition and wellbeing.
The programme aims to equip students with a broad range of transferable skills as well as providing a potential pathway into the gaming industry and higher education, with more than 60 esports-related university and higher education programmes available across the UK.
Mark Lovell, Chief Executive Officer at Argyle Community Trust, said: “The esports facility at The Hub at Foulston Park represents a major step forward in our mission to provide innovative, engaging and inclusive opportunities for young people in Plymouth.
“We are proud to be delivering a facility that will inspire and empower young people, helping them build skills for the future and access exciting new career pathways.”
The esports facility will be one of a kind in Plymouth and one of the most advanced in the country.
The development of the Babcock Esports Arena has been supported by industry consultants Strategic Esports Group and Yoyotech, which have supplied and sponsored the high-performance gaming equipment.
Kalam Neale, Head of Education at British Esports Federation, added: “It’s amazing to see the continued growth of esports in education through the introduction of new programmes and facilities like these. We hope this will be the start of an exciting journey for students, exposing them to a range of future career opportunities in a growing industry which they are incredibly passionate about.”
Liam Stevens, Curriculum Lead for Public Services, Sport, Health & Fitness at City College Plymouth, said: “Esports in the South West is entering an exciting new era. The collaboration between City College Plymouth and the Argyle Community Trust will equip students with the essential skills for success in both esports and the wider digital industry. Beyond personal development, esports develops key competencies that open doors to careers in playing, coaching, broadcasting, event management and content creation. This ground breaking intiative has the potential to transform the esports landscape in Plymouth and the wider region. As the learning destination of choice, City College Plymouth is uniquely positioned to drive this forward.
The launch of this Academy marks a major milestone in City College Plymouth’s partnership with Argyle Community Trust, strengthening their shared commitment to providing accessible, industry-relevant education that prepares students for the future of digital careers.
