Esports is a virtual or in-person option for youth to stay connected, develop new friendships and learn important life skills. Participants will develop important skills that they can utilize to thrive in all areas of life, including communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills in an individual or team environment.

Fall Esports Leagues

September 13 - November 11, 2021

Esports is for Grades 5 - 12 and includes the games Rocket League, NBA 2K and Super Smash Bros. 

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More Information about Esports

Do I need my own equipment?

In Branch Offerings: 

All practices and games will be held in the Oscar Lasko YMCA Esports arena with state-of-the-art gaming PCs, Nintendo Switches or Xbox and PS5 Consoles.

Participants will need the following equipment to play:

  • Online gaming capabilities for the console in which they are playing on
     
  • A personal email address used for access to Leaguespot and Discord servers
     
  • A tablet or smart phone for accessing Leaguespot during game play


Virtual Offerings:

Participants will need the following equipment in order to play:

  • Game for which they are registering for: NBA 2K, Rocket League or Super Smash Bros.
     
  • Gaming console (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox or PC)
     
  • Online gaming capabilities for the gaming console.

  • An email address used for access to Leaguespot and Discord servers

What games will participants play?

Leagues are available for the following games:

NBA 2K21 is a basketball simulation game depicting players and teams from the National Basketball Association (NBA). Participants will face off 1 vs. 1 against another competitor, with each controlling their whole team. Individuals will learn to use each unique player’s skills for the best chance of success.

Rocket League is a unique, high-octane arcade style game that combines elements of both racing games and soccer. Participants compete in a 3 vs. 3 environment and attempt to use their rocket-powered vehicles to hit an oversized soccer ball into their opponent’s goal and score points over the course of the match. Individuals will work alongside their teammates to develop strategies and perfect their moves in order to defeat their competition.

Super Smash Bros. incorporates our favorite Nintendo characters such as Mario, Donkey Kong, Pikachu and many others in an arcade style battle game. Participants compete in a 1 vs. 1 match, attempting to use their character’s special abilities to knock their opponent out of the designated arena.

Why should I enroll my child in an Esports league?

YMCA Esports is the development of values through a progressive program stressing skill development, fun, physical fitness, and friendly competition. Additional benefits include:

  • Improved hand-eye coordination
  • Improved attention & visual acuity
  • Improved basic visual processing and executive function
  • Problem-solving & strategy skill development
  • 71% of parents report gaming having net positive effects for children
  • Boosts self-confidence and player socialization
  • 54% of gamers say gaming helps them connect with friends
  • At least ten St. Louis area high schools compete in the top national high school Esports league
  • In the span of just five years, over 125 higher education institutions have created varsity collegiate Esports.
  • More than thirty U.S. colleges and universities offer scholarships for gamers

What are the age groups for leagues?

Participants will be broken into two age groups. Younger players will be placed in the 5 - 8th grade group and older players will be grouped with teammates between 9 - 12th grade.

Have additional questions?

If you have additional questions about Esports leagues please contact dmacdonald@ymcagbw.org or jparo@ymcagbw.org. 

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