FEIA to open Niagara’s first scholastic esports facility

A classroom at the former Fort Erie Secondary School building is set to be converted into an esports lab as Fort Erie International Academy (FEIA) partners with A5 Labs to launch what they describe as Canada’s first purpose-built scholastic esports facility for hosting K-12 students.

The project will add competitive gaming and broadcast production to the school’s existing high-performance sports model.

Planning began in November after Esport Canada reached out and A5 Labs met with FEIA, according to Chris Lamarucciola, co-founder of A5 Labs, who told Fort Erie Radio the goal is to open the space for student use in September 2026 with 20 PC stations.

The facility will operate under an esports lead hired by the school, structured similarly to a traditional sports coach or athletic director. Students will be able to access the room after school for casual play or join organized competition through the Ontario Scholastic Esports Association.

“What we do is support kind of start to finish framework for any school, whether it’s a scholastic university or college that’s looking to get into esports,” said Lamarucciola.

The program will include broadcast production training so students can learn how to produce esports and traditional sports coverage. Lamarucciola said many colleges and universities now offer esports production and media programs alongside competitive teams.

“The key thing here is giving some students a sense of belonging on campus where they may not have that. Esports, although sometimes communicated in English, doesn’t really have a language, so that’s great for an international academy where students are coming from all over the world,” he said.

Lamarucciola has worked in esports for nine years and has supported world championship events, and said FEIA’s program also doubles as a stepping stone to post-secondary scholarships and careers in gaming, marketing and media.

FEIA plans to develop spring, summer and winter camps open to non-students in the area as an extracurricular.

The esports facility can also support regional events, either on campus or at off site venues such as the OLG Stage in Niagara Falls, according to Lamarucciola. Larger tournaments would require regional bids through game publishers or established event hosts.

“What this can provide for the school and the region is opportunity for future development in esports, including esports tourism or tourism in general.”

Principal William Cockburn described the program as an extension of the academy’s sports identity.

“Esports is the next frontier of our high-performance ecosystem. By partnering with A5 Labs, we’re creating an esports pathway that helps students grow as competitors and leaders, just as they do through our other programs.”

Recruitment for the esports program will open for fall 2026.

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