LINK Educational Alliance is moving boundaries and setting new standards in education, and it has just recognized and used the opportunity and potential that the gaming industry brings with it. By founding the first eSports Association, LINK edu Alliance took the first step towards the strong development of eSports in Serbia and the Balkans.

Following world trends, the LINK eSports Association was created with the aim of becoming one of the best esports teams in the region. By respecting high standards and the professional approach that this Association fosters, it will enable students to properly and responsibly enter the world of esports, which is an extremely valued discipline all over the world.

Esports is an important factor in students’ engagement, as it – just like traditional sports – teaches them valuable lessons about perseverance, team spirit, camaraderie, leadership, and true sporting values. Esports in schools also help build a community that brings together students with similar interests, i.e., students who will be enthusiastic about representing their organization and their team in different gaming events.

Research has shown that engaging in esports for one hour a day:

• reduces stress;
• facilitates faster thinking, analysis, and decision-making;
• helps develop strategies and predictions;
• helps with reading and the development of mathematical skills;
• encourages creativity and keeps the brain active;
• stimulates concentration and enhances memory and rational judgment;
• encourages following instructions, logic, and problem-solving;
• enhances hand-eye coordination and motor skills;
• enhances multitasking and the achievement of multiple objectives.

The main objective of the LINK eSports Association is to form mixed teams of students from different educational institutions of the LINK Educational Alliance who would represent the colors, values and spirit of their schools at regional and international esports tournaments.

We are determined to take our place on the scene of world tournaments and, as members of the Serbian eSports Association, prove that we are professionals who will build a great gaming dynasty in this region.
The teams will be composed of students who will compete in various esports disciplines, among which are some of the most popular video games: League of Legends, CS: GO, Valorant, DOTA2, FIFA, World of Warcraft and many others that are in the pipeline.

LINK eSports team will compete at tournaments at a semi-professional level, which means that gaming and esports enthusiasts will have an opportunity to turn their affinity into a career in gaming, which can be a highly lucrative profession at the global level.

Professional gamers have long been paid millions for what they do, and nowadays, more and more people are watching those tournaments online via Twitch (online television for gamers) and official TV channels more than some long-known sports such as basketball and the like.

Being a member of the LINK eSports team means being a sportsperson in every sense of the word. Although the competitions take place in a virtual environment, all the same, your physical and mental readiness and competencies need to be maintained and developed in order for you to achieve top results.

Within the eSports team, members will be provided with the following:

professionally led training sessions at LINK eSports hub, where the coach will lead their preparations through training at state-of-the-art gaming computers and Sony PlayStation 5 console, with full equipment and ergonomic chairs;
fitness coach, who will help the players take care of their health by encouraging regular physical activity;
pedagogue, psychologist and sociologist, who will follow the personal development and individual progress of the team members together with the teachers;
special benefits so that the participants’ performance at training and competitions is at the highest level.

Important segments of esports:

Ecoach – Just like in traditional sports, an esports coach will be there to help the players prepare before matches against other teams. The coaches work closely with players and all team members, motivate them, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and make sure that they provide their best game.

Fitness coach – Players need to take good care of themselves and stay healthy. This is why the team members, supported by their coach, have regular strength and endurance training sessions.

Jerseys – To help them show off their school’s colors and spirit, the team members will be provided with personalized jerseys.

Active participation in the esports team activities brings:

encouraging social activities and outdoor gatherings, nourishing friendship, working together, and a healthy competitive spirit;
maintaining regular and healthy eating habits and exercise routines;
support in learning and the advancement of skills such as problem-solving, analytical and logical thinking, with professional assistance;
organized participation in esports tournaments at the local, regional, and perhaps international levels;
possibilities of connecting with colleges and universities that have active esports teams.

Gaming is already on the rise in the world, but it is the future that is yet to come to our country. We are aware that there are people who share the passion and love for gaming but find themselves more in the role of commentators, organizers, analysts or journalists. That’s why in the LINK eSport association, the door is open to all students of LINK edu Alliance so that we can all build the esports community together.