Gamers from Forth Valley College blasted away the opposition on Saturday to win the ESports Association’s Rocket League Division Two title and lift off to life in the top league.
Forth Valley Gaming Society zoomed to a formidable 4-0 victory against Exeter College (Team.eXe RL 2) at the Metronome in Nottingham, in the final on the evening of Saturday 3 July.
The team have had a stellar rise working their way through the CDN Rocket Leagues since they started competitive action back in November 2020, and now supported by FVC Computing Lecturer Peter Kelly, they are ready for a crack at the ESports top Rocket League.
Since debuting in the British Esports Association and CDN Rocket League Scottish Cup the team have won an invitation to the British Esports Association’s Spring Championships and are now poised for testing games in the top league.
The FV Gaming Society team includes: David King - gamertag ‘Digi-I’, a 35 year-old from Stirling studying for a BA Digital Media; Mason Japp - gamertag ‘Masxn 10’, a 17 year-old from Alloa, studying for a NC Travel and Tourism; Jamie Bell - gamertag ‘Jamzzy’, a 17 year-old from Alloa also studying for a NC Travel and Tourism, Joel Anderson (Sub) - gamertag ‘Joeltheslumpgod’ a 18 year-old from Falkirk studying for a HND in Sound Production, Finlay Stenhouse (Sub) – gamertag ‘Moose’ a 16 year-old from Alva studying NC Electrical practice for electricians.
Outgoing FVSA President Andrew Smirthwaite, who has championed the team over the last year among college students and staff was at the event to roar on his support. He said: “The game was running late by about two hours due to technical difficulties, and this moved our game from a 7.30pm kick off to 9.30pm.
“The Rocket League Division Two Final was a best of seven event and in the first round the FV Gaming Society team dominated the Exeter team, and the crowd got right behind us. Exeter started to come back in games with goals, but never enough to win a match.
“Throughout the tournament our team have remained undefeated, which has been a fantastic achievement. Unfortunately the team members are now leaving Forth Valley College this year, but what a legacy to leave behind.
“Overall the day was a fantastic experience and we are looking to continue the theme over the coming years, making sure our students and our College are well represented in national games.
“I am ecstatic that our team has progressed so far, and have really taken the initiative. Lecturer Peter Kelly has really been a great mentor to the students as well and they have become the best Scottish Educational Team in the British ESports Championships.
“The team have grown from strength to strength, have been represented the College fantastically well and shown what a gaming community can achieve.”
Dr Ken Thomson, Forth Valley College Principal, said: “We are all very proud of the progress of the FV Gaming Society in this national competition and to win the Division Two title and promotion to the top league is a fantastic achievement in such a short period of time. A big well done to them all and their mentor Peter Kelly, I am sure their success will inspire more of our students to get involved with the Society.
“I would also like to pay tribute to outgoing Forth Valley Student Association President Andrew Smirthwaite who has encouraged the team right from the start as without his foresight the society and the Rocket League team might not have got off the ground. All the best to Andrew we are sure he will be a star whatever he chooses to do.”
