Nativz Esports Club Expands Academy Program with Rocket League Team
• Expansion into Rocket League, described as “football with rocket-powered cars” and an esports title recently adopted by FIFA to bridge esports and football
• Nativz Rocket League Academy Team and Management comprises of current and past Ireland Esports Collegiate Series players
• This is the third Nativz Esports Academy Team announced as they roll out Ireland’s largest esports talent academy on the island
Dublin, Ireland – 14 January 2025. Nativz Esports Club is thrilled to announce the formation of its new Rocket League Academy Team, marking the third game title in its rapidly growing Academy program. Rocket League’s blends the thrill of football with fast-paced, vehicle-based gameplay and is one of the most accessible and widely recognized esports titles globally.
Since its release in 2015, the game has built a thriving competitive ecosystem, headlined by the Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS), a global circuit boasting millions of fans and significant prize pools.
The Nativz Academy Team Rocket League Roster:
- Darragh ‘Nova’ Clery
- Rakan ’Khrolik’ Atmeh
- Iósua Ó ‘Technio’ Dunacháin
The team features a mix of current and former Ireland Esports Collegiate Series players, showcasing the talent our ecosystem has to offer.
First up for the team is the ICC, in which they will compete in a 3-tiered league going into a knockout stage – we are going in seeded at the top of the ‘middle tier’ meaning we will be raring for promotion towards the 'top tier'. The ICC runs from January 20 2025 all the way through until 23 February 2025. Throughout this tournament, the team will also be competing in the Queens University Belfast Reboot Gaming Cafe LAN 8 February 2025, a critical opportunity for the players to build synergy and experience in a live environment. Following this, they will enter the RLCS Qualifiers, aiming to compete on one of the biggest stages in esports.
Rocket League's Esports Revolution
Rocket League’s gameplay—described as “football with rocket-powered cars”—is both intuitive and thrilling, drawing in casual audiences and hardcore gamers alike. It’s unique blend of football and high-octane gameplay have earned it recognition not just from esports fans but also from FIFA.
As part of its growing investment in esports, FIFA has embraced Rocket League as a key title that complements traditional football, recognising its ability to engage new audiences and bridge the gap between physical and digital sports.
“Rocket League is an incredible addition to our Academy program,’ said Jan Biernacki, Academy Lead for Nativz Esports Club. “It’s a game that transcends traditional boundaries in gaming, making it an ideal platform to showcase Ireland’s talent.
With its massive global ecosystem and crossover appeal, Rocket League offers a unique opportunity for growth—not just for Nativz Esports Club but for Ireland’s esports scene as a whole. The Queens University Belfast LAN will set the stage, and the RLCS qualifiers will follow as we establish ourselves in this community.”
A Bright Future for Irish Esports
Ireland, too, has made its mark on the Rocket League stage through Cork-based Wylde, whose international roster has delivered standout performances in the Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS). At the grassroots level, Rocket League Ireland has played a pivotal role in fostering a local community of players and fans, hosting tournaments and creating opportunities for aspiring competitors to develop their skills.
Building on this momentum, Nativz Esports Club is doubling down on its commitment to Irish talent. This approach underscores Nativz mission to create opportunities for Irish players to shine on the global stage while fostering a thriving Esports ecosystem at home.
As the team prepares for its debut, Nativz Esports Club invites fans to rally behind these players and witness their rise through the Rocket League ranks. This announcement is not just about building a team; it’s about creating a legacy and a platform for Irish players to shine on the global stage.
For updates on the Rocket League Academy Team and other Nativz Esports Club initiatives subscribe here for our Club Newsletter.
