Sunderland Funds £1m Esports Programme Across 14 Schools

Sunderland City Council has allocated between £900,000 and £1 million for a school esports programme across 14 primary and secondary schools. The programme is expected to reach about 3,600 pupils.

The British Esports Federation, which is headquartered in Sunderland, is delivering the programme with the council and Together for Children, the organisation that provides children’s services on the council’s behalf.

Ryhope Junior School is one of the first participating schools to complete an esports suite and will serve as the flagship site for the launch. The schools were selected using data on attendance, exclusions, suspensions and eligibility for free school meals.

Each school will receive staff training, coaching qualifications, online safeguarding guidance, competitions and curriculum resources. Students from Sunderland College will help develop learning materials for the schools.

The organisations involved intend to create a route for pupils from primary school through college and university and into employment. The programme will cover skills linked to digital, creative and technology-based careers, along with wider workplace skills.

Chris Eynon, leader of Sunderland City Council, described the programme as an opportunity created by British Esports’ presence in the city. He linked the initiative to careers in digital, creative and technology sectors and to transferable skills sought by employers.

Kalam Neale, British Esports’ vice president of education, skills and innovation, described the programme as a connected education and skills system supported by investment in facilities.

Kimberley Richardson, director of education at Together for Children, linked enrichment activities with children’s mental and physical health, attendance and engagement. Together for Children is using attendance data to direct support to communities identified as likely to benefit most.

The esports programme is part of a £2 million enrichment programme funded by Sunderland City Council and delivered with Together for Children. Other projects include outdoor adventure spaces, social, emotional and mental health support, and facilities for activities inside and outside the classroom.

On November 3, 2026, the British Esports Federation helped launch EGAMES DUBAI27, an international gaming competition for school students, with education investment company Varkey Group. In April 2026, the federation entered a formal partnership with WorldSkills UK to support young people seeking careers in esports.

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Reviewed and fact-checked by Alex Panasenko on November 13.