New study explores grassroots esports in Norwegian sports clubs
Valuable insights into the presence of grassroots esports within traditional sports clubs are emerging from Norway, with the publication of the study ‘An Exploratory Qualitative Interview Study on Grassroots Esports in Sports Clubs’. Led by European Grassroots Esports partner André C. K. Baumann and a team of researchers from Gamers Performance, the University of Bergen, and the Norwegian Competence Center for Gambling and Gaming Research, this new research is published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living.
Key findings:
- Community Impact: The study highlights the significant positive impact of grassroots esports initiatives on local communities, particularly on children and adolescents. These initiatives provide a safe and inclusive environment where young people can socialise, develop new friendships and find a sense of belonging, especially those who may not fit into traditional sports settings.
- Challenges in Volunteer Support: Despite the benefits, the study reveals challenges in sustaining these initiatives, particularly in recruiting and retaining volunteers. The lack of understanding and support from parents and the broader community, combined with the heavy workload placed on a few key individuals, poses a threat to the long-term viability of grassroots esports in sports clubs.
- Competency Development: Another critical finding is the need for enhanced competency among volunteer leaders and trainers. The study emphasises the importance of developing esports-specific skills and knowledge, particularly in areas such as nutrition, sleep, and physical activity, to improve the quality and sustainability of these initiatives.
Implications for the future: The researchers suggest that a collaborative approach involving sports clubs, volunteer leaders, and supporting esports organisations is essential to overcoming these challenges. By focusing on volunteer recruitment, competency development, and organisational support, grassroots esports initiatives can continue to thrive and positively impact local communities.
This study is a significant step forward in understanding the role of esports in traditional sports environments and provides a foundation for future research and practical strategies to support the growth of grassroots esports.
The full study is now available in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. For more information, please refer to the original publication that is available here:
Contact: For further inquiries, please contact André C. K. Baumann at ab@gamersperformance.no
