Every esports club should have a clear vision and set of values.
A ‘Vision and Values’ document explains your club’s philosophy, goals, and objectives, and possibly even your motto.
Why Is It Important?
- Identity: It gives the club a distinct identity and helps everyone understand the type of club you aspire to be.
- Clarity: Outlines what the club aims to achieve, the type of community you want to create, and who you aim to reach.
- Direction: Defines the club’s goals and future direction, and also clarifies what the club is not aiming to be.
It’s okay for the club to have specific boundaries and not try to cater to everyone.
Having these documents in place, sharing them with all members, and making them publicly available from the start will aid in decision-making. Think of it as the foundation of a building.
Who Writes It?
This document set the tone and direction for the club for many years, so it’s important to involve members, board directors, and others in its creation.
How Often Is It Reviewed?
That’s up to the club. However, it’s important to regularly check that the documents remain relevant and make amendments if necessary, again with the input of the whole club.
But Where Do I Start?
- Long-Term Vision: Describe a future for the club that inspires members, staff, and supporters. Explain how the club’s efforts will make a difference and how you want to be perceived by others.
- Mission Statement: Include a short, practical description of your club’s purpose. While the Vision looks to the future, the Mission is about the present and doesn’t change often. It is a contract for ethical behavior for all members.
Examples of Mission Statements:
- To promote and provide esports opportunities for individuals of all abilities and ages, enhancing the gaming experience for club members.
- The club will foster the growth and development of esports in [insert area], providing learning opportunities in a safe, equitable, and child-friendly environment.
- To offer esports within [insert area] by creating an environment where everyone can play while maintaining a safe, child-friendly, and equitable environment.
- To provide opportunities for all players to reach their potential.
- [Insert club name] is committed to offering the best possible environment for our players to reach their maximum potential through excellence in coaching and support.
Club Values
Values are the core beliefs that shape behaviour and decision-making. They provide a framework for how members treat one another and how they treat potential members and other clubs.
Once agreed upon and shared, these values will help attract members, volunteers, and leaders who contribute effectively to the shared purpose.
Examples of Values:
- Accessible: Questions about our club are welcome.
- Accountable: We will be transparent about what, how, and why we operate the way we do.
- Dedication: We expect all members to commit to the club and its teams.
- Enjoyable: Participation should enhance people’s natural enjoyment of esports.
- Excellence: We set, work towards, and achieve the highest standards.
- Integrity: We act in a fair, consistent, and transparent manner.
- Professional: Club representatives will conduct themselves respectfully and with integrity in all dealings.
- Respect: Respect your teammates, coaches, and club, supporting them in your team endeavours. We believe in fair play.
- Service-Oriented: Participants should feel they received the best possible experience and good value for their time and money.
By clearly defining your club’s vision and values, you set the stage for a thriving, cohesive, and purpose-driven esports community.
You can find Esports Wales Value’s on the “What We Do” page
