Launch Wiltshire’s Youth Esports Academy

Aim

Raise £5,000 for six gaming laptops to launch a Wiltshire youth esports academy developing teamwork, strategy, confidence and digital skills

Help me launch a youth esports club in Wiltshire

I’m Jake, a primary teacher and the founder of Collaborative Computing Education. I already deliver computing lessons and Minecraft Education clubs for children in Wiltshire.

Now I want to create a youth esports club where young people can meet in person, develop their skills and become part of a team.

I am raising £5,000 towards six gaming laptops and the equipment needed to get started.

A shared interest. A place to belong.

Through teaching and running clubs, I have seen how a shared interest can help children connect, contribute ideas and grow in confidence.

I want to bring that approach to esports, giving young people a welcoming space to practise together, support one another and work towards shared goals.

The club will start with Rocket League, which combines football with rocket-powered cars. Players will learn how to communicate, position themselves, develop tactics and respond when a match does not go to plan.

What will sessions involve?

I will organise and supervise sessions that combine skills practice, team matches and time to reflect.

Players will have opportunities to:

• Practise techniques and recognise their progress.

• Develop strategies and make decisions together.

• Give constructive feedback and encourage teammates.

• Learn from mistakes and manage frustration.

• Show respect when winning and losing.

There will be clear expectations around behaviour, communication, online safety and balanced use of technology.

As the club develops, I want to introduce friendly competitions and opportunities for players to represent their team.

What will your contribution fund?

The main expense is six gaming laptops capable of running Rocket League reliably.

Six laptops would allow two teams of three to practise and play together in the same room.

My existing laptops support my current computing and Minecraft Education activities. This fundraiser would help me purchase equipment for a dedicated esports programme.

The equipment would belong to Collaborative Computing Education and be reused across sessions. I will compare suitable options before purchasing and share updates on what the funding has paid for.

Why am I asking for support?

I have already invested in equipment to establish my current clubs and teaching activities. Another six laptops represent a substantial upfront cost for a small business.

Support through this fundraiser would help me take the next step and get the club started.

Once launched, regular sessions will have a membership fee to support ongoing costs, including venue hire, session delivery and equipment maintenance.

I also want to explore partnerships that could fund subsidised places. These are not yet secured, so I cannot promise them at this stage.

What happens if I raise less than £5,000?

This campaign allows me to keep whatever is raised.

If I do not reach the full target, I will review what equipment I can afford and whether I can deliver a smaller pilot. I will update supporters about any changes to the plan before spending the funds.

Building on my existing work

This project builds on my experience as a teacher and my work delivering computing activities through Collaborative Computing Education.

I already help children create, collaborate and solve problems with technology. A youth esports club would give me another way to do that, through an interest that many young people already care about.

How you can help

If you would like to help me get the first teams playing together, please consider donating or sharing this page.

If you know a local business that might contribute funding or suitable equipment, an introduction would also be appreciated.

Thank you for supporting my next step.

Jake Miles
Founder, Collaborative Computing Education Ltd

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 6th January 2027 at 1:38am