ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Esports team at East Rockingham High School has received a significant donation to level up their skills.

At this week’s Rockingham County School Board meeting, it was unveiled that the Eagles Esports team received a $5,000 matching grant donation from the Joe and Debbie Showker Foundation. The money was used for updating furniture, infrastructure, and for getting some of the gaming systems the team needs.

Esports can be single player or team competitions featuring skill-based video games. Schools compete through organized tournaments, and they are all online. Teams play from the comfort of their HQ at their school.

The Eagles started with 8 students and have continued to grow. The most popular games they play are Rocket League, Super Smash Bros., and Mario Kart. The team has even visited local college teams like Shenandoah University, James Madison University, and Bridgewater College to see how their operations work. Some colleges even offer scholarships.

Superintendent Dr. Larry Shifflett says he is hopeful that more schools in the county will be able to start an Esports team soon.