Coaching Network: Employment in Esports

The project measures will be implemented through three work packages:

1.1 Selection and Establishment of the Platform

Various platforms and their features are compared to determine the most suitable one for the project (e.g., Discord or other instant messaging services). The chosen platform enables easy use of the service and a broad participant base. The platform is established, and channels, roles, and automatic moderation measures are defined, taking accessibility into account.

1.2 Marketing of the Networking Platform

The marketing of the platform is based on the communication plan (1.8). A visual brand and communication model are created for the coach network, ensuring that information related to the project remains consistent and accessible throughout the project period. Necessary graphics, logos, and other materials are created, such as printed content and moving images, animations, typography, or vector graphics for marketing purposes. Flyers and brochures are produced for use by employment services and distribution at events.

1.3 Recruitment of Users to the Platform

User recruitment to the platform begins with the launch of marketing and the platform. The launch is marketed on Jamk's social media channels through organic posts and paid advertising. Paid marketing can also reach interested parties outside the follower base. A news article about the launch will be created on the coesports.gg platform, which is shared on social media and via email to entities (e.g., employment services and youth centers) that may have potential participants. Recruitment materials, such as website sections that explain what the project is about and how to join, are used. Contact is made with the board of Female Gaming Finland ry to ensure a diverse range of participants.

1.4 Coesports.gg Integration and Newsletters

The platform is integrated into the coesports.gg environment using various website plugins to display, for example, the channel member list and the latest news and events of the network. Integration into the coesports.gg environment lowers the threshold for joining the platform. The quarterly newsletters are automated and sent to network members who have provided their contact information. Content related to industry news, events, and the contents and schedules of workshops and intensive days are produced for the newsletters.

1.5 Platform Management

Various possible implementations are explored to activate tools on the platform, such as Discord bots that automatically assign roles (e.g., interested in coaching, coach, organization representative, etc.) based on what individuals choose in the survey that opens when they join the server. Through roles, users can access the appropriate channels created earlier by platform administrators. Through the channels, users can connect with individuals who support their career development, such as representatives of esports organizations. The bot also includes features for automatically distributing newsletters to members. Additionally, features are purchased for the platform to enable, for example, uploading larger file sizes, better image and sound quality for remote events, and improved server user experience.

1.6 User Activation and Network Meetings

Virtual and/or hybrid meetings aimed at coaches and coaching organizations are planned and organized approximately once a month to support the professional development of coaches with content related to career planning. Meetings cover topics such as building a coach's career path, self-management, the importance of networking and personal branding, and the role of continuous learning in a coaching career. Practical career stories, expert interviews, and concrete tools such as career planning templates and personal development plans are used as materials. Contact information of companies and associations that have joined the platform is collected into organization lists, which are used to assign representatives based on company type and/or organizational role. This way, aspiring coaches can easily connect with representatives. Weekly discussion themes are also created on the platform to support skill development (e.g., themes of mental performance, team skills development, and review of various game strategies) using target group-oriented materials such as case examples compiled from coaching practices, short expert videos, exercises, coaching tools (e.g., observation templates, analysis forms), and research articles. Participants are also encouraged to engage in peer mentoring.

1.7 Continuation Plan for Utilizing the Platform

A report on the use of the platform is created, and measures for the continued development of the platform are planned and ensured. Measures related to continued development include development suggestions, feedback, and ensuring the managing entity in joint meetings with SEUL ry. In collaboration with the representatives of the association, an active action plan is created to utilize the outputs created during the project even after the project ends.

1.8 WP1 Management

Administrative measures related to the work package, including the preparation and updating of the communication plan and the implementation of communication (internal and external communication, including the project's website and social media) and monitoring, regular project team meetings, scheduling of measures, reporting, monitoring of indicator data (including participant guidance), competitions, archiving, steering group work, risk management, and feedback. The communication plan considers that the produced communication materials are evenly distributed throughout the project period. Communication measures planned front-loaded are marked in the annual communication calendar. The funder's communication guidelines are considered.

2.1 Workshop Planning and Themes

Five workshops are planned and scheduled. Each workshop will have a different theme. Learning and networking journeys for the target group will be planned around events where the workshops will be held.

2.2 Marketing of Workshops

The marketing of the workshops will be planned and implemented with the target groups in mind. The workshops are primarily aimed at those interested in a coaching career but not yet working in the field. At least 3–4 posts per month will be made on social media channels, and a news article will be published on the coesports.gg platform. The workshops will also be promoted on the project's platform and in newsletters. Fifteen participants will be selected from the registrants to ensure a variety of employment situations. Priority will be given to those already on the platform who have not participated in previous workshops.

2.3 Workshop Implementation and Evaluation

Five workshops will be held in connection with esports events, as separate sessions outside the official event program. The workshops will cover basic coaching skills, career paths, and current topics to strengthen coaching competencies and expand networks. They will be held before the official event program between 9am and 3pm in adjacent facilities. Each workshop will last 2–4 hours. Travel expenses may be reimbursed for participants coming from farther away upon submission of a motivation letter. The aim is to create open and participatory environments where participants can share experiences, discuss current industry topics, develop practical skills, and mentor each other. Each workshop is intended to provide concrete tools that participants can apply in their work or coaching roles. Participants will also be granted access to the events where the workshops are held, facilitating interaction with esports organizations already present. Feedback will be collected from participants at the end of each workshop for further development.

2.4 WP2 Management

Administrative tasks related to this work package include implementing and monitoring communication (internal and external), project team meetings, scheduling, reporting, tracking indicator data (including participant guidance), procurement, archiving, risk management, and feedback collection.

3.1 Planning and Preparation of esports Coaching Days

A continuous three-day intensive program is planned for participants aiming to become coaches. The days will be held at Jamk's facilities in Jyväskylä. Materials related to the themes will be created, which may include pre-tasks and/or on-site tasks for participants. The program also includes various expert lectures from industry professionals and workshops to test skills.

3.2 Marketing of esports Coaching Days

The marketing of the esports coaching days will be planned and implemented. Existing materials will be utilized for marketing activities. If necessary, new materials will be created, such as brochures, social media content, and news/blog posts. Ten participants will be selected from the registrants to ensure a variety of employment situations. Priority will be given to those who are not yet working as coaches.

3.3 Implementation and Evaluation of esports Coaching Days

A three-day intensive training will be held at Jamk. During the intensive implementation, coaches will delve into various topics under the guidance of industry experts. Participants will also be encouraged to engage in peer mentoring. Finally, participant feedback will be collected for further development. Feedback and development ideas will be reviewed.

3.4 Final Publication

Experiences, best practices, writings, workshop summaries, and created materials collected during the project will be compiled into a final publication.

3.5 WP3 Management

Administrative tasks related to this work package include implementing and monitoring communication (internal and external), project team meetings, scheduling, reporting, tracking indicator data (including participant guidance), procurement, archiving, and risk management.