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"The NAECAD National Convention altered the trajectory of my career. I was able to connect with scholastic esports professionals who later became mentors, peers, and a support system when I decided to pursue this path as a full time career."
Alyssa Duran
Alyssa DuranShenandoah University | Program Director
"NAECAD provides a lot of the elements a coach or director needs regardless of their past. The community in NAECAD is super supportive of everyone involved as we all have shared struggles. At NAECAD, college teaches K-12 and K-12 teaches college."
David Hawkins
David HawkinsIdaho Esports Association | Director
"I continue to return to NAECAD because it is one of the most valuable spaces for learning, sharing knowledge, meeting peers and partners, and celebrating the successes of others in the field."
Aaron Jaggers
Aaron JaggersTexas A&M University - San Antonio | Head Coach
"NAECAD has provided me connections to some of the best minds in the industry. Those connections helped me guide my Valorant team to their first ever top 3 finish and our SSBU team to an MVEC Championship win!"
David Seering
David SeeringIllinois College | Head Coach
"What sets NAECAD apart for me is the networking. Connecting directly with other coaches and directors allows for real conversations about what’s working, from program development and player engagement to competition structure and sustainability."
Logan Wolf
Logan WolfIowa High School Esports Association
"NAECAD has consistently genuinely invests in developing leaders at every level of this industry. Whether you're an assistant coach just finding your footing or a senior executive with decades in the space, they meet you where you are and push you forward from there.
Sari Kitelyn
Sari KitelynFull Sail University | Executive Director
"NAECAD brings together people who care deeply about doing this work well and are constantly refining how they lead, build, and support their programs. That environment pushes me to be more intentional and thoughtful in how I approach esports."
Doc Haskell
Doc HaskellBoise State | Head Coach
"I joined NAECAD to become the best esports coach possible. Between the incredible professional development and the chance to connect with a nationwide network of coaches, joining was a no-brainer!"
Robyn Porter
Robyn PorterVilla Rica High School | Teacher
"Without NAECAD, I would not be where I am today, and I would not be able to serve my students in the same ways. NAECAD was my first opportunity to make connections with others in the industry and learn from some of the best and brightest how to elevate both my program and myself."
Chris Bilski
Chris BilskiMichigan State University | Director of Esports
"Being part of a community that is so collaborative and forward-thinking is a big reason I remain actively involved. Through NAECAD, I’ve gained valuable insight and guidance that has helped me continue building and improving my program in ways that best support my students and grow my professional network."
Eric Reynolds
Eric ReynoldsUniversity of Southern Indiana | Student Esports Director
"The conferences, courses, and panels that NAECAD offers for professional development are second to none in the esports landscape. Beyond that, NAECAD provides networking opportunities for coaches and directors around the country to connect with each other and share advice and wisdom in ways you don't find anywhere else."
Joey Gawrysiak
Joey GawrysiakSyracuse University | Executive Director
"They say that teachers need to be stimulated every few years in order to be reinvigorated into their work. NAECAD provides that opportunity and has given me space in my career where I can be a part of something that is fresh, new, and exciting all at the same time."
Chester Tadeja
Chester TadejaPomona Unified School District | Coach
"NAECAD has been instrumental in the development of my esports network, and it is the national leader in coaching and director development and support. The shared knowledge from scholastic programs and industry partners within the organization is incredibly powerful."
Julie Mavrogeorge
Julie MavrogeorgeCalifornia Esports Association | President
"I have been with NAECAD since its inception. I continue to be part of NAECAD to connect and collaborate with other leaders and meet people in the space that I typically would not run into. The national events are very enjoyable and bring tons of value to your esports program."
Justin Bragg
Justin BraggSt Cloud State University | Director
"NAECAD has been a lifeline for my professional growth as an esports coach. Between the deep dives at the summer conference and the steady stream of high-quality learning resources, I’ve gained the tools necessary to build a sustainable program, and connecting with a national network of peers has been invaluable."
Patrick Donovan
Patrick DonovanAmes High School | Instructional Coach

Certifications

Level 1 Coach Certification

Learn the fundamentals of coaching
$ 74
99

Level 1 Coach Certification only
  • 1 License
  • Level 1 Certification (Online)
  • Membership
BUY NOW
Click here for certification details

College Recruiter Certification

Everything you need to succeed and thrive
$ 349
99

College Recruiter Certification only
  • 1 License
  • College Recruiter Certification
  • Membership
BUY NOW
Click here for certification details
Top Rated

Memberships

Basic Membership

Standard membership to NAECAD
$ 149
99
1 year membership
  • 1 Account
  • Discord Member Access
  • Level 1 Certification (Online)
  • Unlimited Courses
  • College Recruiter Certification
  • $500 VarsityGG discount
  • National Convention Ticket
  • Mentor Program
  • Eligible For Awards
SIGN UP NOW
Click here for more information

All-Access Membership

For the member who wants everything
$ 299
99

1 year membership
  • 1 Account
  • Discord Member Access
  • Level 1 Certification (Online)
  • Unlimited Courses
  • College Recruiter Certification
  • $500 VarsityGG discount
  • 1x National Convention Ticket
  • Mentor Program
  • Eligible For Awards
SIGN UP NOW
Click here for more information
Best Value

Program License

For colleges, universities, and K-12 schools
$ 499
99

1 year membership
  • 5 Member Accounts
  • Discord Member Access
  • Level 1 Certifications (Online)
  • Unlimited Courses
  • College Recruiter Certification
  • $500 VarsityGG discount
  • 2x National Convention Tickets
  • Mentor Program
  • Eligible For Awards
SIGN UP NOW
Click here for more information
Huge Savings

Organization License

K-12 districts, conferences, leagues, NPOs
$ Custom Pay Per Account/Ticket
  • Unlimited Accounts
  • Discord Member Access
  • Level 1 Certifications (Online)
  • Unlimited Courses
  • College Recruiter Certification
  • $500 VarsityGG discount
  • National Convention Tickets
  • Mentor Program
  • Eligible For Awards
Contact Us
Click here for more information
Custom

Membership Tier FAQ

Each membership option is geared towards a different type of esports professional. Here is a quick summary for why you should consider each tier:

Basic Membership: This tier is for any esports professional who does NOT plan on attending the National Convention and does not recruit for a collegiate program, but wants to get certified, be connected in the industry, earn professional development online, and support the association.

All-Access Membership: This tier is for any esports professional who wants the value of a NAECAD membership and also plans on attending the National Convention. (For Colleges: this tier does not include the College Esports Recruiter Certification)

Program License: This tier is for schools with multiple staff or coaches (full time, part time, volunteer) and college programs that recruit. This tier has access to all certifications and courses, including the College Esports Recruiter Certification (normally $350 by itself), a free trial + discount for VarsityGG, and it comes with 2 national convention tickets.

Organization License: This tier is for any school district, college, conference, or league that has more than 5 staff members who need to get certified or receive professional development. This tier allows you to purchase a custom number of basic memberships (access to certifications and content) and national convention tickets all at once. 

Your event tickets are built into your membership account. As long as you are logged in and have an active membership, you will be able to register with any tickets associated with the membership level you have.

The NAECAD Mentor Program is a brand new program that we have developed. We have found that mentorship and connecting with peers are the number one ways to prevent burnout, overwork, and decline in mental health. Our vision is to ensure that every esports coach, director, and staff member has a support network they can lean on. 

For full details regarding the mentor program click here.

Our Discord offers a variety of benefits, including:

  • Connecting with other members
  • Event and membership updates

We are always working on adding new and exciting events to our Discord. If you have additional ideas, please let us know!

Every year NAECAD offers awards for:

  • High School Coach of the Year
  • High School Director of the Year
  • College Coach of the Year
  • College Director of the Year
  • Rising Star
  • Outstanding Leadership
  • Outstanding Commitment

Group memberships are designed for schools, programs, and organizations that have multiple staff members. The person in charge of your program is then able to manage from their membership profile who to assign the extra accounts to.