Group of Esports Participants Pose

The excitement was palpable on the afternoon of December 4, 2024, as students and families gathered for the inaugural "Clash of the Cubs" Esports tournament. The event, which saw LKDSB’s Rosedale Public School emerge victorious, was a celebration of teamwork, learning, and the growing influence of Esports in education.

The tournament was the result of a powerful Esports partnership between the LKDSB and Lambton College. The concept for the tournament was born out of a collaboration between Lambton College's Esports Entrepreneurship and Administration (ESEA) program, led by Matt Hutchinson, Trevor Martin and Matt Sanders from the LKDSB Esports program, and Chris Sommers and John Spadafora at Great Lakes Secondary School (GLSS). The ESEA program has long been an invaluable resource, with its students playing a key role in designing and managing Esports events as part of their curriculum.

The planning for the "Clash of the Cubs" tournament began over a month ago when Martin and Sanders met with Lambton College students to brainstorm ideas. The students from both GLSS and Lambton College worked together to create a unique competition aimed at bringing together Esports clubs from GLSS family of schools and fostering both a sense of community and friendly competition.

In preparation for the event, GLSS Esports students traveled to Lambton College to collaborate with their counterparts on event development. This opportunity not only allowed students to gain hands-on experience in event management but also strengthened the relationship between the schools and the college, creating an enriching learning experience for everyone involved.

The event itself was an enormous success, with students participating in a day full of competition, excitement, and sportsmanship. "Clash of the Cubs" exemplified the power of experiential learning, where students from different levels of education – secondary and post-secondary – worked together to bring an idea to life.

The collaboration is ongoing. Lambton College students will continue to support the growth of the program by developing a manual, which will include step-by-step instructions for other schools interested in hosting similar tournaments, ensuring that the momentum generated by this event continues to inspire Esports competitions throughout the region. Lambton College will also host a tournament for all LKDSB Esports schools in the spring.

As the tournament came to a close, there was a sense of pride, not only in Rosedale's victory but also in the collective achievement of all the students, teachers, and community members who contributed to making the event a success. The "Clash of the Cubs" demonstrated the power of collaboration, the educational potential of Esports, and the excitement that comes from students actively engaging in a rapidly growing field.

Looking ahead, the Esports program is poised for even greater growth. During the 2024-2025 Esports season, every secondary school and 22 elementary schools are expected to participate in at least one LKDSB season.  With the momentum of this successful event, the program is expanding and offering more opportunities for students to get involved in competitive gaming, build valuable skills, and explore career pathways in the Esports industry.

As the Esports community continues to grow, LKDSB schools interested in joining the program for the Spring season are encouraged to reach out. The future of Esports in the region looks incredibly bright, and the "Clash of the Cubs" has set a high standard for what is sure to be many more successful competitions. Special thanks to everyone involved—from the dedicated students and staff at Lambton College to the enthusiastic participants from GLSS and its family of schools. Their leadership, collaboration, and passion were key to making the tournament an unforgettable event – the first of many more to come!

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For reference information contact:
Caress Lee, Public Relations Officer
caress.lee@lkdsb.net
(519) 336-1500 Ext 31262