Fort Erie, ON – February 23, 2026 – A5 Labs has announced a partnership with Fort Erie International Academy (FEIA), a private Grade 6-12 boarding and day school in Fort Erie, Ontario, to launch Canada’s first purpose-built scholastic esports facility and competitive programming for middle and high school students.
This initiative will extend FEIA’s high-performance sports model, already well established in hockey, basketball, and soccer, into esports. The program provides competition, academic integration, and personal development, opening doors to post-secondary opportunities in the gaming and media industries.
Under this collaboration, A5 Labs will lead the design of esports programs, facility planning, and competition structure for FEIA’s new esports lab. The space will include high-performance training stations and a fully equipped broadcast studio to support team broadcasting and curriculum in media production, STEM, and digital literacy.
“FEIA has already shown how a focused, high-performance environment can help student-athletes thrive at the next level,” said Chris Lamarucciola, Co-founder of A5 Labs. “Bringing that same structure to esports will allow students to turn their passion for gaming into pathways toward post-secondary opportunities and future careers in media and esports.”
FEIA views the initiative as a natural extension of its sports excellence framework. “Esports is the next frontier of our high-performance ecosystem,” said William Cockburn, Principal, Fort Erie International Academy. “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.
Industry leaders have also praised the initiative. “Esports in schools is about more than competition; it’s about preparing future-ready learners,” said Melissa Burns, CEO of Esport Canada. “FEIA’s commitment sets a new benchmark for what scholastic esports can look like in Canada.”
Daniel Rolo, Director of Finance at the Ontario Scholastic Esports Association (OSEA), added: “Structured programs like FEIA’s help ensure esports in schools focus on wellness, teamwork, and safe play, which are key factors for long-term student success.”
Together, A5 Labs and FEIA envision Fort Erie as a national and international destination for scholastic esports excellence. The school plans to host leagues, camps, and showcase events that connect K-12 students with post-secondary and industry partners, further supporting domestic and international learners preparing for top universities worldwide.
About A5 Labs
A5 Labs is a Canadian media and esports consultancy specializing in esports program development, media strategy, and experiential learning initiatives for schools, municipalities, and organizations. The company helps clients design sustainable esports programs and facilities through feasibility studies, strategic planning, and community engagement.
About Fort Erie International Academy (FEIA)
Fort Erie International Academy (FEIA) is a co-educational Grade 6-12 boarding and day school located in Fort Erie, Ontario, minutes from the U.S. border. With a focus on academics, athletics, character, and community, FEIA offers high-performance sports academies and specialized learning pathways that prepare students for success in Canada, the United States, and beyond.
About Esport Canada
Esport Canada is a federally registered not-for-profit organization and the national body for esports in Canada. Working in partnership with its Members, Esport Canada promotes the growth and development of esports participation and excellence at all levels of play, while fostering safe, inclusive, and equitable competitive environments for all Canadians in communities across the nation and on the global stage.
