Humber Esports has now partnered up with ROAR Organic to provide players with the energy they need to help them get through their matches and training sessions.
ROAR Organic is a Canadian company that sells a line of organic energy drinks with various flavours. They have given $15,000 worth of product to Humber Esports.
This partnership applies not only to all the varsity teams at Humber Esports but also to many events held as well and players are supplied these products for free.
Humber Esports Senior Administrator Bernard Mafei said the objective of this partnership is to provide healthier beverage alternatives for the well-being of their players.
“Their preparation, mental state, how they feel physically and emotionally, all that ties into what they're consuming,” he said.
He said he hopes Humber Esports will gain more recognition as a program that is fully supporting players and is not afraid to work with non-endemic brands.
“I think Esports has a bigger story to tell and companies like ROAR help tie us to the real world and show us what’s outside our bubble,” he said. “Humber Esports is growing rapidly, we wanna work with any company that is helping our players succeed in and out of the game."
Humber Esports Health and Wellness Coach Lanvy Nguyen said she thinks it’s a better alternative compared to drinking other really highly caffeinated drinks.
“It’s a great substitute and it’s packed with vitamins and everything necessary for general health,” she said. “It hits the right amount of micronutrients that are needed, such as Vitamin A or B12."
While ROAR Organics energy drinks are becoming great alternatives for players, she hopes players will use these drinks with some caution, as it could lead to severe side effects.
“If someone is using this as a replacement to water, it could possibly lead to headaches and nausea,” she said.
“While ROAR is a good starting point, I think they would need more than that to be at their absolute peak,” she said. “I would like for our teams to eat healthier, incorporate more berries and fruits into their diet, as well as vegetables to meet nutritional needs."
This partnership as a whole will become very beneficial for both Humber Esports and ROAR Organic Energy Drinks in the long run.
And it won't be the last.
Mafei said there are plans for Humber Esports to establish other corporate partnerships.
“There's an equipment partner we're currently looking at, and we're also looking at another fun product; we’re looking to have two more added to our list of friends,” he said.
Head coach and arena coordinator for the Keyano College Esports team in Fort McMurray, Alta., Myra Davis, said that when looking at the collegiate landscape, many schools are still looking for different ways to increase partnerships with brands, especially in Canada.
She also said Humber Esports will be given a bigger opportunity to connect with their community more often.
“Esports is still in a growth phase where we're really still trying to build out our cultural standing for ourselves,” she said. “Being able to connect with your community whether it be through watch parties or tournaments you hold, it’s a really good way to normalize Esports and connect with the community at large.”
Davis said ROAR Organics will be able to have a higher chance of standing out against its competition with this partnership.
“The energy drink market is definitely a highly competitive one, and there’s already some mainstay brands,” she said. “Having the ability to consistently get your product in the hands of individuals via these events is definitely beneficial, being in sight of everyone is definitely one of the main ways you can break into the market.”
While Humber Esports is gaining plenty of benefits from this partnership, some other factors will need to be considered throughout its duration.
Davis said that with partnerships such as this one, the team needs an understanding of the context with which they are partnering.
“With us at Keyano Esports, we are partnered with Red Bull, and one of the main points put in for us is we’re not to involve them with any events targeted at minors,” she said. “Being able to navigate those factors is something they would have to focus on.”
Davis said Humber Esports will also have to be sure they are consistent with what they are providing.
“You have to make sure you are consistently putting out events and being an academic institution, it can be more of a struggle to create events during the down times of the year,” she said. “Making sure what they are able to provide matches the expectations of ROAR is a big one.”
