Teachers land spot at Esports world cup after European success

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Two teachers from Caerphilly have secured their place at an Esports world cup after Wales placed sixth in a hi-tech virtual sports tournament over the weekend.

Rhys Richardson and colleague Ieuan James, who both work at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni, travelled to Warwick on Friday night to compete in the Hado European Championships.

Hado is an augmented reality (AR) sport, combining physical activity with digital gameplay. Players use headsets and armbands to launch virtual energy balls and shields.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer after the tournament, Richardson said: “We went up on Friday night for a practice before the matches on Saturday which were round-robin style.

“We qualified out of the group and had England in the first knockout round. We knew we’d be no match for them so we put a weaker side out to save ourselves for the lower bracket.”

Needing to finish fifth or higher for a spot at the world cup in Shanghai next July, Wales faced a winners takes all match versus Scotland.

“We managed to secure sixth and take home £1,000. It’s a fantastic achievement considering last month we didn’t have a team.”

Despite landing a spot at the world cup next summer, Richardson said how the best thing to come out of the event is a potential Hado court coming to Caerphilly.

He explained: “Hado are due to meet with us and some members of the council later this month to discuss putting a court in Caerphilly Leisure Centre.

“We’ve seen this in other areas of England but this would be the first court in Wales. It would not only allow us to practice, but it would be a great chance for kids to get involved too.”

Richardson added how there would be a fairly hefty upfront cost, but once the room and kit is bought, it can be inexpensive.

“I know in some school they even have it as part of the PE curriculum, it can be a good way to get those pupils who don’t like sport involved and active.”