Registration for Clifton eSports will open in the Spring of 2025!
Clifton eSports is a ministry of FUMC Clifton with the goal of creating a safe, positive space for competition, fun, and community among kids and students of Clifton and surrounding areas through playing competitive video games together in a faith-based environment.
eSports (Electronic Sports) are similar in nature to traditional sports such as football or baseball, except rather than participants playing on a physical field or a court, players compete with one another through video games.
What are eSports?
What does an eSports ministry look like?
eSports programs typically involve players meeting for regular practice sessions, improving their performance in playing the game, and either participating in or hosting tournaments, similar to traditional sports seasons that may last 2-3 months culminating in a final competition between individuals or teams. eSports programs seek to develop teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship, offering opportunities for players to develop both gaming skills and interpersonal skills within a structured, supportive environment. As an eSports ministry, we intend on doing all of the above while also integrating faith-based discussions into the program.
Why does a church care about video games?
Our student ministry was built on our youth playing multiplayer video games such as Minecraft and Mario Kart. Video games have brought our students into our church and closer with each other by fostering teamwork, communication, and creating a shared experience through which we have been able to relate our United Methodist faith and tradition. This eSports ministry flows out of how we have seen God at work in the lives of our students through playing video games together.
How do schools & universities use eSports?
Schools and universities currently encourage eSports programs by integrating the activity into their extracurricular activities and athletic departments, providing students with opportunities to participate in organized gaming competitions. They often establish dedicated eSports teams, offer tuition scholarships for players, and create gaming facilities dedicated to support practice and competition. Some Texas colleges that have eSports programs or organizations include Baylor, UT Austin, Texas Tech, Texas Wesleyan, and Texas A&M. Oso eSports of Baylor University has contributed 15 older gaming consoles to our youth & this eSports ministry.