🎓 How to Create a Local Esports Club or School Team
From Cafeteria to LAN: Turning Passion into Competitive Play
Esports isn’t just an online phenomenon anymore. It’s becoming a part of schools, community centers, and youth organizations around the world. If you’re passionate about gaming and want to create a structured space for competitive play, building your own esports club or school team might be the perfect step.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making it happen, from idea to team scrims.
1️⃣ Start with a Mission
Before you pitch anything, define the goal of your club. Is it a casual place for students to compete and socialize? Are you aiming to compete in regional tournaments? Do you want to focus on one game, or multiple titles?
Having a mission helps you convince schools, players, and parents that this isn’t just gaming. It’s structured, intentional, and educational.
2️⃣ Rally Interest
You’ll need a core group of players and supporters. Post flyers, share on social media, and talk to classmates or friends. Host a casual open-play day to gather interest and see which games are the most popular.
💡 Tip: Focus on team-based games with active school scenes like Rocket League, League of Legends, VALORANT, Overwatch 2, or even Smash Bros.
3️⃣ Get a Sponsor or Faculty Advisor
If you’re in a school setting, you’ll usually need a teacher, IT admin, or extracurricular coordinator to act as an official advisor. They’ll help you get approval and manage access to spaces and equipment.
If you’re outside of school, look for support from local gaming centers, libraries, or youth programs.
4️⃣ Find Your Gear
Some schools have gaming PCs or laptops available for clubs. Others don’t. You may need to get creative:
- Host meetings in computer labs
- Encourage players to bring their own peripherals
- Apply for grants or donations from local businesses or gaming organizations
5️⃣ Choose the Right Platform
There are many platforms that support high school and community esports, including:
- PlayVS (for varsity-level school esports in the U.S.)
- HSEL (High School Esports League)
- NASEF (North America Scholastic Esports Federation)
These leagues offer seasonal tournaments, rulesets, and support.
6️⃣ Build Team Structure
Once you know your games and members, form official teams:
- Assign captains
- Set practice times
- Decide how substitutes and rosters work
Organization is what separates casual play from actual teams.
7️⃣ Promote a Healthy Culture
Make your club inclusive and positive. Set expectations around tilt, trash talk, and teamwork. Encourage members to support each other, even outside of their specific game title.
🎯 Bonus: Incorporate optional activities like VOD reviews, fitness or stretching sessions, or esports-themed movie nights to keep things fun and team-oriented.
8️⃣ Compete, Learn, and Grow
Sign up for online leagues or friendly scrims. Start small, lose with grace, win with humility. Celebrate progress and improvement more than trophies. Over time, your club can become a true incubator for talent and community.
Final Thoughts
Creating a local esports club takes initiative, but it’s one of the most rewarding ways to combine leadership, creativity, and gaming. Whether you’re building a high school varsity team or just starting a neighborhood group, it all begins with a shared love for play.
🎮 Build the club you wish existed when you first picked up a controller.