Esports

NASEF Lassos Texas Esports Federation to Broaden Esports Impact in State

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 05/14/20

Scholastic esports is gaining momentum in the Lone Star State. The Texas Scholastic Esports Federation (TexSEF) is becoming an affiliate of the North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF). The goal is to enable Texas schools to take fuller advantage of esports-based education resources, including classroom curriculum, afterschool club programs and esports tournaments.

NASEF, a nonprofit that offers its programs free, combines esports tournaments with academics. The learning is embedded in coaching, mentorship, class materials, club organization and management. Participants learn about all aspects of the esports ecosystem, not just how to play the games better.

TexSEF was founded in fall 2019. Becoming a NASEF affiliate "is a huge benefit to our organization and its members," said Gregg Kite, technology trainer for Humble Independent School District and CEO of TexSEF, in a statement. "NASEF has been the singular most positive force for scholastic esports in the country, and their contacts and support make our work in Texas both easier and more potent."

"It's fantastic to see the vision of the TexSEF team," added Gerald Solomon, founder of NASEF. "The leaders have personal experience as gamers, and they know how much gaming meant to them as teens. They're excited to provide a structured but fun program to youth, to give students that have traditionally been marginalized a place to come alive and to envision career possibilities in the wide-ranging esports ecosystem."

TexSEF runs varsity, junior varsity and middle school leagues and has drawn interest from a number of school districts in the state, including Dallas, Galveston and Klein.