The David Beckham-backed, London-based esports organisation Guild Esports has announced that it has signed an industry-first safeguarding and wellbeing lead. Taking the role is Kit Brunswick, the former head of academy operations and safeguarding at Cambridge United FC, and in this role, Brunswick will be in charge of working with Academy prospects and professional players signed with Guild.
"The work that Kit is doing is revolutionising the world of esports and pioneering the way that organisations can—and should—be working with their talent," said Kal Hourd, Guild Esports CEO. "Throughout the esports industry, there is a real need for organisations to show a duty of care to the people they work with, and I couldn't be prouder of the impact that Kit is already having across our structure."
Brunswick will also be building a trauma-informed and supportive environment at Guild, and will be using his talents and experience to implement specialised training programmes for players and staff alike.
"This is a massively exciting time for esports as an industry, and to be working for an organisation that wants to set the standard in this area is a huge privilege," said Brunswick. "We have a responsibility to drive a trauma-informed environment that empowers the voices of young people and athletes, both within Guild and across the esports industry."
Brunswick will also be joining Guild to create a Path to Pro for prospect and aspiring players, an initiative that will see Brunswick working closely with parents and guardians and will provide day-to-day practice and support all the way up to national and international tournaments.
