Esports at the Y

Electronic Sports, or Esports, takes on the form of organized, multiplayer online video game competitions and is one of the fastest growing trends for youth engagement. 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.

Register for Esports

Types of Play

  • OPEN: “Drop in” online or at a Y gaming center to play other Y gamers during regularly scheduled times
  • TEAMS: Form teams to compete in area leagues
  • LEAGUE: Compete against other Ys in the area

Top teams will compete in Regional and National Championships!

Multi-platform gaming including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch. Games include NBA 2K, Fortnite, Super Smash Bros. and more!

Esports at the Y promotes:

TEAMWORK

Games often involve working together on a team to complete a task, goal or objective. Players must be able to differentiate when to take the lead and when to follow for the overall good of the group.

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.

ONLINE SAFETY

Games are moderated by an adult at all times in a safe and inclusive environment. All identities will be known of everyone who is playing together, eliminating the “stranger danger” that is often seen in online communities.

INDIVIDUAL GROWTH

Of course, playing on a team develops social skills, working in a group and more, but not every game will be a team cooperative. At times, players will need to rely on their own skills, which helps boost confidence. There is multitude of opportunity for youth to grow and thrive.

EQUITY FOCUS

All players can come to the table with the same set of skills and opportunity. Playing behind the screen eliminates bias and any preconceived notions players may have for or against one another. Instead, we promote a positive, inclusive environment where everyone can succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

As with all YMCA leagues, YMCA Esports will encourage and promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility by placing a priority on involvement, healthy competition rather than rivalry, the value of participation over winning, team-building as well as individual development, a positive self-image and mutual respect for others.

This session, yes. We hope to host in-person gaming soon.

While we support signing up with friends, students can also sign up as an individual and the Y will help place them on a team when necessary for team play. Plus, there’s never a shortage of new friends to make!

Players can participate using their home PC, Switch, Xbox, or Playstation console.

Weekly coaching, curriculum, competitive league play, and a uniform.

Yes, they will compete against other Y Esports participants around the United States.

Career and academic opportunities in Esports include scholarships and more.

We will talk weekly about online safety, teamwork, leadership and career advancement in the field.