Scottish university Abertay University has announced a partnership with Scottish football club Dundee United FC.

As a result of the deal, the university will sponsor the club’s esports efforts, starting with the E-Scottish Football Cup.

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The partnership marks the first foray into esports for both Abertay University and Dundee United. The club will field two professional FIFA players in the E-Scottish Football Cup taking place on May 21st at Hampden Park, the home stadium for the Scottish national football team.

Dundee United is one of 75 clubs that received an invitation to compete in the E-Scottish Football Cup. The likes of football clubs Hearts FC and Partick Thistle have confirmed their entrances to the competition, which will see clubs compete for a share of £50,000 in prize money.

While partnering with Dundee United is a first for Abertay University, the institution is no stranger to the gaming industry. In 1997, the university launched the world’s first video game degree and has since become a National Centre for Excellence in Computer Games Education.

Dundee United and Abertay University entering esports is a sign of growth in Scotland’s esports market. In February, the Dundee and Angus College launched Scotland’s first esports degree which teaches students a range of skills including how to operate an event.

Professor Gregor White of Abertay University’s School of Design and Informatics spoke on the collaboration: “As close city partners, this new collaboration between Abertay and Dundee United makes perfect sense and it’s excellent to be supporting the club as they embark on their first steps into the rapidly-growing Esports sector.

“With the video games and Esports industries continuing to go from strength to strength, events like the E-Scottish Football Cup represent a chance for sports organisations like United to attract a different type of fan who’ll value their team’s digital performance every bit as much as their efforts on the pitch.”