Esports training provider Valhallan to open more than 100 centres in UK

2 December 2023

Esports in the UK seem destined to grow into a massive industry over the coming years and more than a few companies have already realised this. In a recent article, for example, we wrote about Williams Racing launching their official Student Racing League in the UK, and just last month, it was announced that well-known discount website UNiDAYS teamed up with National Student Esports (NSE) in support of the student gaming community in the UK. This shows a particular focus on the wish to develop esports at a more grassroots level, which is also why the recent announcement by Valhallan was welcomed with applause. The US-based esports training provider has been looking for UK franchisees since last year, with the goal of opening more than 100 training centres all over the region by 2029.

Aimed at children aged 7 to 17 years old

Valhallan is working according to a new concept in the world of esports, with centres they call arenas that offer specialised esports training programs to children aged 7 to 17 years old. The Texas-based company is already operating dozens of centres across the United States and has been looking for a master franchisee in the UK for further expansion. In Dr. Amit Sra and Vivek Baho, they have found the desired party, and this has only encouraged the company’s ambitions.

“Valhallan is an educational curriculum that began in the USA, ensuring all children between the ages of 7-17 have a place to study the art of esports through various games such as Fortnite, Valorant, Rocket League, Apex Legends, FC 24 and more”, explains  the earlier mentioned Dr. Amit Sra, “It gives children the ability to learn about reaction times, hand-eye coordination, collaboration, and of course communication via team work whilst fostering the all-important skills set of decision making and timing”.

More than 100 Valhallan centres in UK by 2029

The new UK Mastes Franchisees have already opened a first Valhallan centre in the UK, in Ealing (West-London), but that is only the beginning. The UK branch has already announced at least two new centres to be opened next year, in Chigwell (Essex) and Manchester, and the goal is to have more than one hundred Valhallan esports training centres all over the United Kingdom by 2029. Besides that, the company is eyeing partnership with various UK universities and enterprises to further strengthen its presence in the market.

“We plan to be a feeder into universities that are growing their teams in the UK and hope to help youngsters even get through via a scholarship so they can study the course they wish to, whilst playing for their university”, explains Dr. Amit Sra when asked about the UK branche’s plans and goals for the future, “Goals markers are set for 100+ arenas to open in the UK by 2029 and nationally we currently have synergies with five universities and several medium-to-large enterprises”.