This week, I had the immense pleasure of visiting the College of Esports at their vibrant campus in the Velopark, Stratford – the iconic site of the London 2012 Olympic legacy. What I experienced there was nothing short of extraordinary.
From the moment I stepped into the campus, I was struck by the energy, creativity, and purpose that fills every corner of this unique institution. I was warmly welcomed by Co-Founder David Thomson, whose passion for empowering young people is infectious, and Associate Lecturer in Business, Jozefa Fawcett, whose insights into future-focused education were truly inspiring.
What makes the College of Esports so remarkable is its mission to prepare students for careers in industries that are still emerging. In a world being reshaped by AI, automation, and digital transformation, this is not only visionary, it's essential.
Here, education is built around the student. It’s not about memorising facts, but about developing real-world business skills, entrepreneurial thinking, and digital fluency. Through esports, students learn how to lead, innovate, and thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
The facilities are nothing short of world-class. From green screens and broadcast-quality lighting to professional-grade cameras, direction suites, and production studios, students are immersed in the full spectrum of esports, media, and business.
And they compete too - proudly representing the college as the London Legion, a team that embodies the spirit of collaboration, competition, and excellence.
It’s deeply moving to see how the London 2012 Olympic legacy lives on through this campus. The Velopark, once the stage for world-class athletes, is now a launchpad for digital pioneers. The College of Esports is not only promoting digital skills, but it is also nurturing the next generation of leaders in gaming, media, and business.
One of the most exciting takeaways from my visit was seeing how the college is exploring the gamification of business - using the principles of gaming to improve engagement, performance, and outcomes in the workplace. This is a powerful tool in the age of AI, where adaptability and creativity are key.
The College of Esports is helping people prepare for the future of work. As we navigate the AI revolution, this is how we prepare people for the future: by giving them the tools, the mindset, and the support to succeed.
At Guildhawk, we’ve always believed in the power of education and opportunity. Over the years, we’ve supported more than 100 postgraduate students through paid internships, helping them gain the experience and confidence to build rewarding careers. One of them is Niall Hogan, who started as an intern from Sheffield Hallam University and is now an in-house developer.
We look forward to seeing the College of Esports to empower the next generation of innovators, creators, and leaders.