2. Learnings from Hungary – focus on community of practice and consultation based initiative
The origins
Hungarian Esport Federation (HUNESZ) has recognized the necessity of supporting young talents, and within the framework of the European Grassroots Esport project, HUNESZ has announced a call for proposals for individuals, organisations, and groups aiming to implement grassroots esport activities in 2024.
The call included a mandatory activity element to find, develop, and coordinate a project designed for the Hungarian market and business environment, which would help those interested in esports and gaming from outside these fields to start with their own idea in the gaming and esports sector.
The primary goals of the initiative were to:
- Foster Community and Active Lifestyles: Encourage young esports athletes to build value-driven communities and engage in both online and offline events that promote a balanced, physically active lifestyle.
- Innovate Support Methods: Experiment with a unique support mechanism, offering non-monetary assistance through HUNESZ’s extensive expertise and resources, which are crucial in an industry where financial constraints can hinder grassroots development.
The program targeted primarily HUNESZ members and secondarily, broader audiences with gaming or esports-related interests, aiming to create a sustainable framework for talent and community development.
We aimed to assemble a project that eventually became a grant project, offering the opportunity for anyone with an idea to apply.
HUNESZ received a significant
number of applications from individuals, civil organizations, esports clubs,
sports clubs, and cultural institutions who had ideas but were previously
deterred by the lack of publicly available data or assistance from launching
their own initiatives and realizing their esports dreams.
This grant provides full access to the federation’s knowledge base. The program’s goal is to offer young esports athletes and players the opportunity to create value-driven communities and organize online and offline meetings, all while promoting a balanced and physically active lifestyle.
The Hungarian Pro Club Leagues best met the criteria of this call for proposals, and thus, the collaboration began with them.
Pilot case study
For its call announcement, HUNESZ received five proposals, ultimately selecting the Hungarian Pro Club League (HPCL) for its comprehensive community-building and educational initiatives. HPCL’s project emphasized recruitment, integration, education, mentoring, and sustainability, aligning well with the federation’s vision. The project facilitated seamless integration for new participants and provided continuous education on league operations and best practices.
HPCL introduced a ‘Grassroots Division League System’ to accommodate newly recruited teams. This system featured flexible scheduling and support, including educational materials and mentorship programs led by veteran managers. Through structured online meetings and regular updates, HUNESZ maintained oversight, ensuring the project stayed on course.
The pilot project concluded with promising results, highlighting the importance of clear communication, community involvement, and leveraging the expertise of experienced stakeholders. Notable achievements include:
- Successful execution of an esports cup as part of a recruitment initiative, allowing new teams to gain league experience.
- Creation of educational resources and a structured mentorship program, providing ongoing support to participants.
In the video, the colleagues introduce themselves and explain the various levels and problematic issues in which they were able to provide support to the grassroots organisation. They highlight several key areas, including tournament organisation, communication, organisational structure, and the critical reporting tasks for each phase. These reporting tasks not only demonstrate how successful the project has been but also indicate the challenges that lie ahead for the participants.
The colleagues discuss their experiences in helping to streamline communication channels, ensuring that all team members are well-informed and coordinated. They also talk about their role in assisting with the organisational setup, providing guidance on creating a robust and efficient structure. Furthermore, they emphasize the importance of detailed reporting at each stage, which helps to track progress, identify issues early, and adjust strategies as needed.
Through their support, the grassroots initiatives have achieved a higher level of professionalism and efficiency, which is crucial for long-term success. The video serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts and the positive impact of the guidance provided by the federation’s team.
Takeaways and main lessons
The pilot’s flexible framework and scalable model make it adaptable for other countries and regions. By focusing on community building and continuous education, HUNESZ aims to replicate this success across different esports contexts.
The insights gained during this project will serve as a foundation for future endeavours, ensuring sustained engagement and success.
- COMMUNICATION AND REACHING OUT: The most significant insights gathered during the project primarily revolve around the challenge of effectively reaching young people interested in e-sports. We have explored innovative methods to actively engage them in our initiatives and identify career paths beyond the realm of competitive gaming. By establishing and exploring new communication channels, we have successfully enhanced our connection with the target audience. This approach allows us to dynamically adjust to the varying needs of different age groups. Hungarian Pro Club Leagues can implement these strategies not only within the grassroots project but also throughout the organisation and promotion of their entire championship. This ensures that they remain adaptive to emerging trends and provide ongoing support to all participants and stakeholders.
- COMPREHENSIVE ASSISTANCE: Additionally, comprehensive assistance will be available for both the competitors and the organizing team moving forward. This support aims to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone involved. Our efforts underscore the importance of continuous improvement and adaptability in the rapidly evolving e-sports landscape.
- COMMUNITY EDUCATION: Enhancing the educational components of our esports project is essential. This involves not only providing training and resources on the technical aspects of gaming but also on teamwork, sportsmanship, and the importance of mental health. Integrating workshops, webinars, and interactive sessions that address these topics can elevate participants’ understanding and appreciation of the esports ecosystem.
- BASIS FOR SOLID COLLABORATION: Establishing e-sports partnerships can be crucial for long-term success. The first step is identifying potential partners. Defining the framework of the collaboration is also an important step. A detailed agreement should be drafted that outlines the terms and objectives of the partnership and ensures measurable results for the partners.