Level Up Your Game
YMCA esports is a competitive program that allows kids the opportunity to come together and enjoy playing video games as a team or individually in a positive, safe, and inclusive environment.
Electronic sports, known commonly nowadays as “esports,” is an activity that keeps youth engaged and connected, and is quickly becoming one of the most popular experiences for boys and girls of all ages. In fact, within the last few years, 125+ higher education institutions have created collegiate esports programs, and more than 30 colleges and universities around the US offer scholarships for gamers! Through the Y’s esports program, children and teens are welcome to be who they are, excel at what they love, and develop skills that help them grow into thriving adults.
YMCA esports is a virtual and in-person program for kids and teens to stay connected, make friends, and learn new skills! Participants can develop their communication, collaboration, and critical-thinking skills in an individual or team environment all while having a blast.
Teamwork
Gaming involves working together on a team to complete a task, goal, or objective. Players will learn how to be able to differentiate when they should take the lead and when to follow others for the overall good of the group.
Online Safety
Games are monitored by an adult Y team member at all times in a safe environment. All identities will be known of everyone who is playing together, eliminating the “stranger danger” that is often seen in online communities.
Leadership
Teams are successful when there is a leader offering guidance and delegating tasks. Leaders can shift from minute to minute in fast-paced games, and players should be ready to take on the challenge.
Equity Focus
All players can come to the table with the same opportunities. Playing behind the screen can help to eliminate bias and any preconceived stereotypes. Instead, we promote an encouraging, inclusive environment where everyone can succeed.
Individual Growth
Of course gaming with a team helps kids learn about working in a group, but not every game will be a team cooperative. At times, players will need to rely on their own skills, which will help boost their own self-confidence as they improve over time.
Locations
Our esports program will only be available at select locations as we roll out this exciting new offering. Please check back to see if your family center is added at a later date if it’s currently not listed.
Register today—spots are limited!
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
We will be offering NBA 2K for the current season. We hope to add additional games such as Rocket League and FIFA as we continue to build up our program and get additional participants.
The YMCA will provide all gaming equipment. There will also be multi-platform gaming including personal computers (PCs), Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.
Open Play
Kids who have registered can “drop in” online or at the gaming center within their YMCA to play with other gamers during scheduled times.
Team Play
Participants can form their own teams to compete against each other during scheduled times.
While we encourage your child to sign up with their friends, kids can sign up individually and the Y will help place them on a team if/when necessary for team play.
Participants will compete against other YMCA eSports participants around the country. However, eSports will emphasize sportsmanship instead of rivalry, and keep our core values—Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Faith—at the center of the program.
If you have additional questions about eSports, please email Jessica Fernandez, at [email protected].
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