Esports is Open to Y Members and Non-Members
Why Esports? Esports, or electronic sports, takes on the form of organized, multiplayer online video game competitions and is one of the fastest growing trends for youth engagement.
It isn’t the “next big thing”, it is the current big thing! Esports viewership and participation across all platforms globally has reached over 470 million people in 2021; and it is only expected to keep increasing. Through the Y’s Esports program, youth are welcome to be who they are, excel at what they love, and develop the social, strategic and problem-solving skills necessary to grow into thriving adults all in a safe, moderated and inclusive environment.
What’s in Gaming at our Y!
Whether you’re a casual gamer or looking to connect with others who share your passion, we’ve got plenty of opportunities for you to jump in and play! Drop-in gaming is available Monday through Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 PM and Saturdays from 9:15-11:00 AM, giving players the chance to enjoy their favorite games in a fun and social setting. For those looking for a more structured experience, our Gaming Club meets every Friday from 5:30-6:30 PM, where members can engage in friendly competition, learn new strategies, and explore different games together. Plus, with our new Science and Arts Studio, where all of our gaming takes place, kids will love the immersive and creative atmosphere that enhances their gaming experience. This dedicated space allows them to play, strategize, and socialize in a welcoming environment designed for fun and learning!
Contact: Quentin Pickering at Qpickering@lhymca.com for any additional questions
Gaming Club
AGES 8 – 13 YEARS OLD
Learn to create and follow strategies, communicate with teammates, and develop strong hand-eye coordination during this in-person video gaming club. Our coach will build your confidence and skills while competing against others. Bi-weekly games will be rotated to add variety.
- Fridays 4:30 – 5:30 PM
- Fridays 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Contact: Quentin Pickering at Qpickering@lhymca.com
Youth Drop-In Activities | Ages 8-17 | Free for Members
We now offer drop-in service FREE to our members with family and youth memberships! While parents/guardians work out in our facility, kids can stay in our drop-in space of the day for one hour. Monthly calendars include the areas and times available for supervised recreation for school-age children (8-17 years old), Limit to one hour per visit. Parent/Guardian must stay in the building.
- Monday 5:00 – 7:00 PM | Esports
- Tuesday 5:00 – 7:00 PM | Esports
- Wednesday 5:00 – 7:00 PM | Esports
- Saturday 9:15 – 10:00 AM | Esports
NOT OFFERED AT THIS TIME
High School Competitive Esports Club Dates | 14 – 17 Years Old
Join our hybrid, highly competitive Esports club to play VALORANT, Overwatch 2, and/or Rocket League, with the guidance of a coach, who will represent their team, in the High School NASEF League, the GSE League, and tournaments. These exclusive leagues have prizes such as national tournament entries as well as college scholarship money. Our program is designed for players who have competitive gaming experience and can work as a team with a supervising coach. A minimum rank will be required, and a tryout will be held after registration. For more details, please contact Quentin Pickering at quentinp@lhymca.com.
- Fridays 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Virtual Esports Coaching| Ages 7-17
Receive private one-on-one or small group coaching for your game of choice by an expert. Each expert coach will create customized training for each player depending on experience, mechanics, gameplay, etc. All coaching sessions will be run through a private, moderated Discord channel through the LHYMCA. The games currently available for coaching are Overwatch 2, VALORANT, CS: GO, Fortnite, Apex Legends, Rocket League, Rocket League, League of Legends, League of Legends Team Fight Tactics (TFT), Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Super Smash Bros. Melee. Flexible days and times are available. For more details and scheduling, please contact Quentin Pickering at Quentinp@lhymca.com
Improves Critical Thinking
No one knows exactly how the human brain works. What experts agree on is that it works and that it needs exercise just like any other part of the body for it to function at optimum levels. Esports is a game which tests mental powers and for which critical thinking and reasoning is an absolute must. During actual play or practice, players or gamers actually exercise and sharpen this most vital of organs.
Improves Problem Solving Skills
Esports games involve problem solving and gamers have to make quick decisions on the best moves to make when attacking and how to counter an opponent’s moves. All these exercises and sharpens the brain. The critical thinking thus developed, helps gamers to question things and situations and not merely accept solutions and outcomes because everyone does so.
Stress Relief
Having fun means less stress in your life. Playing electronic sports has a relaxing and calming effect on your nerves thus you feel less stressed. It’s a real stress reliever.
According to published results of medical research, individuals who are less stressed develop better memories. Their capacity to remember things is greatly enhanced. So it’s a simple trajectory to understand, you play esports you enjoy yourself, you relax and feel calm and your brain capacity improves. Your capacity or ability to recall things, events or situations gets vastly improved.
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