Coalfields Game Academy Launches to Boost Digital Inclusion and Opportunity for Young People

Young people in East Durham, Stoke-on-Trent and St Helens can connect their passion for gaming with future careers in the digital and creative industries thanks to a new partnership between the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and Game Academy.

The Coalfields Game Academy, funded by the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) through the Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund, will help young video game players in some of the UK’s most disadvantaged communities to build confidence, digital skills and help them into education, training and employment.

The Coalfields Game Academy will support 30 young people aged 15–19 based in East Durham, Stoke-on-Trent and St Helens who are not in education, employment or training or at risk of this. The programme will be delivered online through platforms such as Zoom, Discord and Twitch, blending creativity, teamwork and digital skill-building with training for digital jobs. Participants will work together on live game design projects, get advice from industry professionals, and use Game Academy’s AI-powered tools to turn their gaming experience into real-world confidence and opportunities.

Game Academy is a social impact venture that helps gamers build the creative, digital and life skills needed for employment. Game Academy delivers innovative learning programmes that connect gaming with personal growth and career development.

Andy Lock, Chief Executive for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust said:

“We’re delighted to bring the Coalfields Game Academy to East Durham alongside our partners at Game Academy.

Gaming develops digital strengths that employers increasingly need – teamwork, problem-solving, communication and creativity. This project will help young people recognise those skills and turn them into opportunities across tech, digital, cyber, media and the growing creative industries.”

David Barrie, CEO & Co-Founder of Game Academy, said: 

“Gamers are constantly testing ideas, solving problems and creating new worlds. As work becomes increasingly digital, there are ever-growing opportunities to use that talent beyond the game. What we're doing in East Durham is giving players the insight, confidence and skills to take that next step.”

Young people who wish to sign up for the Coalfields Game Academy can do so by emailing talia.benson@coalfields-regen.org.uk

For more information about the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, visit https://www.coalfieldsregen.uk

For more information about Game Academy, visit https://www.gameacademy.co/