scene from Rocket LeagueLancer Gaming will host a Rocket League tournament geared towards high school students Saturday, June 13.

Esports to engage high school students online during pandemic

Lancer Gaming will host a Rocket League tournament geared towards high school students Saturday, June 13. The event builds on the success of its April 4 #StayHomePlayGames tournament, which brought together over 150 students from across Canada and the United States as social distancing was enforced.

Organizers hope the next event in the series will engage an equally diverse group of students. Rocket League enables cross-platform gaming, meaning students can play with their friends on Xbox, PS4, PC, or Nintendo Switch. Games will be streamed live on Twitch and include live commentary, making the action accessible to viewers worldwide.

High-quality recruitment opportunities like this have been made possible with the support of the Office of Student Experience, the Student Success and Leadership Centre, the Faculty of Science, and the School of Computer Science, who have all invested in the future of UWindsor esports.

“I’m thrilled that we have the support to continue, even in these complex times,” says Paul Meister, who is leading the esports charge on campus. “High school students have been isolated from their communities, and esports is a great way to engage and connect with them right now. This will be a fantastic way to show them the UWindsor difference.”

Esports is quickly becoming a critical part of the new online student experience at the University of Windsor, with participation from faculties including business, human kinetics, science, engineering, nursing, and arts, humanities and social sciences. In collaboration with Lancer Recreation, Lancer Gaming has helped to facilitate the first-ever esports intramural league, with more than 100 students participating.

“Events like this and the Rocket League tournament for high school students helps to build community both on and off campus,” says Meister. “I can’t talk about it yet, but I’m beyond excited for what’s coming in June.”

He invites those interested to stay tuned: “Lancer Gaming has been putting in hard work and we are looking forward to sharing more about the future of esports on campus soon.”

Stay up to date with UWindsor Esports by following the group on Twitter @UWinEsports.

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