The origins of TeamDamage
As with all great things, TeamDamage started out as just an idea. In the November of the year 2000, Scorpion, RogueAgent and Trojan, three of the regions most dedicated network gamers and clansmen of the time got together for a brainstorming session. They wanted to create a web site where gamers of the region could meet, talk and organise network games, both on the internet and on LAN. At that meeting, Scorpion came up with the name 'TeamDamage' and it instantly struck a chord. RogueAgent, who was running Cyberelectric Internet at the time arranged for Cyberelectric to be the first sponsor of TeamDamage and he went about registering the name and setting up hosting for the website in the December of 2000.
Before long, Scorpion had developed a prototype website and along with it the first forum for gamers of the Wollongong region. It was an almost overnight success. Joint promotions with Cyberelectric saw many gamers come to the site and a number of smaller LAN organisers were put in contact with each other. Several successful LANs and competitions both on the internet and on LAN were organised through the TeamDamage site.
After several months, Scorpion came up with the idea to run the first TeamDamage LAN and pull together all of the smaller LAN organisers and attendees. Through Trojans contacts at the Wollongong Uni a venue was secured and a number of eager volunteers signed up to become what would be the first TeamDamage LAN organising crew.
After running two TeamDamage LANs at the university it became obvious that to cater for such a large LAN we needed to acquire some networking gear for ourselves and find a more permanent and accommodating venue. In conjunction with a number of other LANs in the area it was agreed that the LANs would pool thier resources under a new organisation called the 'Networking Youth Association' and save up to buy networking equipment that all the contributing LANs could share. It was through the creation of the NYA that TeamDamage took the next quantum leap as it officially became a non-profit organisation and was able to strike an agreement with a like minded organisation in the local Wollongong Police Community Youth Center which offerred more room for the expanding LAN along with greater facilities and more flexible hours of access.
As they say, the rest is history. TeamDamage has been a great success since then thanks to the many dedicated efforts of a long list of people. To all of them we say a sincere "Thank You !"
Today TeamDamage continues to be one the Illawarras most popular and successful LANs and has now been running for almost 12 years straight, making it the longest running LAN of the region. At TeamDamage we strive to cater for all types of LANners, young and old, new and experienced.
We hope you will join with us and continue to make history as we take the next step.
