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NACE and the MEC offer scholarships to potential eSports athletes. “We are not there yet in terms of scholarships,” says Gooding. “We are talking about it. As it stands now, we don’t have the funding, but I am provided with some discretionary funds to help with books and such.We are open to donations.” Gooding and his team are working hard to build the UM-Flint team into a national contender; but if they never win a championship, well, he would be okay with that. “Of course, we want to get to the level where we are competi tive and in the running – but at the end of the day, I just want the students to succeed here at UM-Flint in education, life, and then eSports,” he says. “But I can tell you that I feel that we are right on the cusp of making an impact.” Follow and view the UM-Flint team in action on Facebook, Twitch and Snapchat. t

design aspects of our eSports facility,” Gooding says with a chuckle. “They have really provided great support for us.” For many who are used to viewing sports in the traditional sense, eSports may seem strange; but Gooding assures that it requires the very same structure and amenities as physical sports.The teams have business managers, trainers, support staff, coaches and infrastructure. His players practice weekly to work

better as an efficient team or as stand alone performers.The team is co-ed and consists of between 3-6 individuals, de pending upon the game. College eSports athletes are held to the same standards as traditional athletes. At UM-Flint, they are required to visit the rec center for regular exercise and must maintain a 2.0 GPA.The team holds traditional try outs and Gooding is constantly recruit ing talent.The majority of colleges in

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