Leap Into the Action with Esports at the Y!
Join up with the YMCA ESports League! Our all-new esports program offers a safe, fun and competitive environment for youth ages 12-17. Participants will learn teamwork, problem-solving, resilience and sportsmanship, while improving their cognitive skills and connecting with peers with similar interests. Don’t miss out! Register today.
Participants Build Skills In
- Strategic Thinking
- Hand-eye Coordination
- Stress Management
- Decision-Making Under Pressure
- Positive Peer Relationships
- Teamwork & Communication
- Resilience & Sportsmanship
- ... and so much more! All while having fun and building friendships.
Summer Rocket League
June 5 - July 11 | Wednesdays & Thursdays from 6pm-8pm
Ages: 12-17
$340 Members | $350 Community Guests | Register Online
Our Summer Rocket League invites competitors to showcase their skills while receiving training from professional coaches, all in a state-of-the-art gaming facility! Engaging in 4v4 tournament play at both local and state levels, teens will experience competitive gaming at its best.
This 6-week comprehensive league goes beyond gaming, incorporating stress management and STEM career preparation activities. Secure your spot now for an exciting and skill-building experience!
Mario Kart Club
June 10 - July 9 | Mondays & Tuesdays from 6pm-8pm
Ages: 12-17
$240 Members | $250 Community Guests | Register Online
Our recreational Mario Kart Club is the perfect summer activity for casual gamers to come together, build positive relationships, and have fun in a state-of-the-art gaming facility! Playing Mario Kart can teach teens various skills and offer numerous advantages, from expressing creativity, developing hand-eye coordination, good sportsmanship and more.
The game helps develop strategic thinking, as players must make quick decisions about which route to take, when to use power-ups, and how to adapt to changing race conditions. Playing Mario Kart promotes social interaction and teamwork, allowing teens to communicate, negotiate, and work together to achieve common goals.
Playing also presents challenges like navigating difficult tracks and avoiding obstacles, teaching teens how to solve problems quickly and effectively. Losing races helps teens handle defeat gracefully and develop resilience and sportsmanship.
The game's fast-paced nature requires efficient time management during races, while the focus and concentration needed to succeed can improve cognitive skills. Additionally, gaming offers stress relief, improved reaction time, and creativity through character customization and track creation. It also fosters social connections as teens engage with peers who share similar interests.
Pros of Being in an Esports League
- Inclusive Community: Esports leagues offer an inclusive environment where players of all skill levels can participate, fostering a diverse and welcoming community.
- Personal Growth Opportunities: Participation in esports leagues facilitates personal growth through skill development, character building, and the nurturing of leadership qualities.
- Team Bonding: Playing on a team encourages camaraderie and teamwork, fostering meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging among teammates.
- Skill Enhancement: Esports leagues provide opportunities for players to enhance their gaming skills, as well as develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and decision-making.
- Scholastic Recognition: Involvement in esports leagues can lead to scholastic recognition, with many colleges and universities offering esports scholarships, providing additional opportunities for academic and athletic advancement.
- Career Pathways: Esports participation opens up potential career pathways in the video game and esports industry, including professional esports competition, coaching, streaming, content creation, and esports management.
- Coaching and Support: Esports leagues provide structured coaching and support services, offering guidance, mentorship, and structured development programs to help players reach their full potential.
- Health and Wellness Focus: Many esports programs prioritize the health and wellness of participants, educating them on the importance of physical and mental well-being for optimal performance.
- Safe and Inclusive Spaces: Esports leagues strive to create safe and inclusive gaming spaces, where individuals can express themselves freely and participate without fear of discrimination or harassment.
- Growth Opportunities for Everyone: Esports leagues aim to provide growth opportunities for all participants, regardless of their background or skill level, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and development.