(Atlanta, GA – February 8, 2021) –  An exciting partnership between football legends Steve Young and Jerry Rice and NASEF (North America Scholastic Esports Federation) will leverage esports for personal and professional development of youth in 8 to 80 Zones created by the Forever Young Foundation. 

The pair recognize that sports were their focus when they were younger, but esports is the heartbeat of many kids today. Talking with Jerry Rice, Steve Young said in this interview, “In many ways, NASEF is the esports equivalent to what you and I did in middle school football. They’re going to make a big difference to a whole generation of esports gamers that are in K through 12.” 

Through 8 to 80 Zones, Young and Rice are eager to provide programming that is relevant and exciting for youth. After researching the esports world, they selected the non-profit NASEF because it has a similar mission and passion for kids. NASEF will offer support to the centers with its free curriculum, clubs, and tournaments, which will be leveraged to provide kids a perfect blend of gaming and learning. 

Young said he sees incredible possibilities in esports to transition into professional careers. “My boys love technology; that’s what they love. There’s writing in the gaming industry, there’s publishing, there’s coding, there’s art... parents should recognize that there’s a tremendous opportunity in the gaming industry for their kids—and they love it. Use that as a stepping stone to all these other options in the industry. The opportunities are immense.” 

The partnership with these celebrated football Hall of Famers takes on even more meaning in this season of competitive tournaments, as NASEF offers its first-ever High School National Championship featuring Madden NFL 21 in this winter-spring season. 

About the organizations

8 to 80 Zones are a collaboration between two good friends, San Francisco 49ers greats Steve Young and Jerry Rice. They provide youth living in underserved communities an opportunity to have fun while learning the skills to pursue careers in esports, technology, and media. They open a new Zone in each city that hosts the Super Bowl, with the Tampa 8 to 80 Zone breaking ground last week. 

The North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) is on a mission to provide opportunities for all students to use esports as a platform to acquire STEM/STEAM-based skills and critical communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in work and in life. NASEF and its partner HSEL are collaborating to create the leading global esports marketplace and community for play and learning. Find NASEF at our website and on Twitch, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Media Contact:
Claire LaBeaux
[email protected]
925-337-0244