On November 13, 2024, the European Grassroots Esports Project concluded in a landmark event: an interactive workshop and speed dating session at the MOVING People – MOVING Europe Conference held Ljubljana. Organised by the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA), this dissemination meeting marked the successful ending of a pioneering initiative that redefined the role of esports within grassroots sports organisations across Europe.

A workshop that builds bridges

The European Grassroots Esports Project has achieved significant milestones in promoting value-based, inclusive, and health-enhancing esports activities over its course. This final dissemination workshop showcased the project's collective learnings and achievements, setting the stage for future initiatives to continue its momentum.

Facilitated by Camilla Gejl Kristiansen from DGI Denmark, the workshop engaged participants in exploring the fundamental questions that have driven the project:

• How can esports contribute to the health and well-being of young gamers?
• How can inclusivity and fair participation be ensured across diverse communities?
• How can grassroots esports foster positive, value-driven communities?

A highlight of the session was "Our Values – A Story of the Father and the Son" by Asmund Josteinsønn Janøy and Ben Janøy from IBK Esports Club. Their narrative perfectly embodied the spirit of the project, blending personal values with the broader vision of a socially responsible esports community. The presentation explored critical questions about how grassroots esports can contribute to the health and well-being of children and young gamers, ensure inclusivity, and help nurture the next generation. 

Following Asmund and Ben's presentation, participants engaged in reflective discussions, actively shaping ideas on how esports could attract new members to clubs and communities while maintaining its ethos of inclusiveness and fairness. 

The Speed Dating Session: A Platform for Sharing and Learning

As a fitting conclusion to the workshop, the Speed Dating Session was a masterclass in networking and exchange. With 250 participants, it provided a lively forum to connect with eight exemplary projects, including the European Grassroots Esports initiative. The session was structured to maximise learning and connection, with each project receiving 90 seconds to present its objectives, learnings, and offerings at the beginning of the session. This was followed by three 10-minute rounds of concentrated discussions at marked tables, fostering the exploration of the challenges and solutions that emerged during the project’s lifespan. These conversations reinforced the project’s core message: esports can become a powerful tool for community building and personal growth when guided by shared values and best practices.

A Legacy of Impact and Innovation

The European Grassroots Esports Project has left a permanent mark on the landscape of grassroots sports. Over its course, the project has empowered sports clubs with tools and models to establish esports activities that align with their organizational values. Highlights of the project include:

• Developing an online learning course to build capacity in grassroots esports.
• Hosting national pilot actions that tested and refined esports models.
• Organising seminars and conferences that fostered international dialogue on value-driven esports.

This closing event celebrated achievements and called on sports clubs and organisations to continue building on the project’s foundations.

As the European Grassroots Esports Project formally concludes, its legacy will inspire future initiatives. By integrating esports into grassroots sports in a responsible, inclusive, and value-based manner, this project has set a standard for how innovation can meet community needs.
The closing workshop and speed dating session proved the project’s potential to shape the future of grassroots sports. Congratulations to all partners and participants for their unwavering commitment to making esports a force for good in our communities.

For more information of the project and its outcomes, please visit the link: https://esports.isca.org/