Coventry educator to address key players in UK esports industry

A Coventry educator will address global leaders and hundreds of delegates at a major summit for the esports industry this week.

Shoubna Naika-Taylor, Curriculum Manager for Digital at Coventry College, will address key figures and guests at British Esports’ fifth Esports in Education Summit on Friday, February 10 at Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies in Nottingham.

British Esports is the national body set up to support grassroots esports in the UK, and Shoubna, who founded the Coventry Crosshairs esports team at the college in 2019, will join a panel to discuss ‘Building and developing esports facilities in educational institutions’.

The session will explore the funding, partnerships, equipment, software and spaces required to create of state-of-the-art esports facilities in schools and colleges.

The opportunity comes after Shoubna was appointed to the British Esports Advisory Board in January, as Coventry College continues to expand its esports education provision, improving access and creating extra-curricular opportunities and higher education pathways for students.

The Esports in Education Summit provides a platform to discuss the impact, developments, and opportunities available in competitive gaming and esports for schools and colleges.

Shoubna said: “It was a real privilege to be appointed to the British Esports advisory board, and it’s really exciting to have the chance to be part of a panel at the Esports in Education Summit.

“There will be lots to learn from some influential figures throughout the day, but it’s also a great chance to showcase some of the things we have been able to achieve at Coventry College.

“We have excellent facilities and work with some incredible partners to provide high quality courses in games development, games production and esports and have more exciting things on the horizon, and we are thrilled to have this opportunity as we look to build on the work of the last few years.”

Gemma Knott, Vice Principal Business Growth, Engagement & Partnerships at Coventry College, said: “Our esports department continues to grow through Shoubna’s leadership, and it’s no surprise to us that there is demand to hear about the steps the college has taken to create and support a thriving esports community.

“This is an incredible opportunity for Shoubna to showcase the excellent things that she has been able to achieve at the college to a national audience, and continue to establish Coventry as a leader in esports education.”