Jumpstart STEAM learning with Esports!

Esports is competitive video gaming for all skill levels. Current leagues include Super Smash Bros, Rocket League, Fortnite, and Mario Kart Super 8. Leagues are 8 weeks with weekly supervised competitions. Youth and teens can join virtual leagues or in-person leagues at the Carondelet Park Rec Complex. The Y's Esports leagues are for 9-17 year olds, with youth and teens competing in a supervised setting.

 

For more information, contact:

Laura Lytle
Melody Kensinger (at the Carondelet Park Rec Complex)

Join us at the Y, where gamers are athletes!
 

ALL PLAYERS:

  • Will need a discord account to compete.
  • Players will join a private discord for YMCA and partner leagues.
  • Leagues compete from 6-7:30 pm.

IN-PERSON LEAGUES:

  • Have access to coaches and free play Mondays at Carondelet Park Rec Complex
  • Are able to participate in tournaments from home or at Carondelet
  • Invited to the end of season in-person tournament

VIRTUAL LEAGUES:

  • Compete against other youth and teens across the region
  • The first day of play is non-league play and an opportunity to test equipment and set up.

Register for In-Person or Virtual Esports Leagues!


LEAGUES:

Monday: Free play and coaching (in-person only)
Tuesday: Fortnite
Wednesday: Rocket League
Thursday: Super Smash Bros Ultimate
Friday: Mario Kart 8


Winter Registration Opens October 1

 

covers of esports games

 

Frequently Asked Questions
 

Youth and teens will sign up for individual game leagues of Super Smash Bros, Rocket League, Fortnite, and MarioKart.

Don't see the game you want to play? Let us know!

Console-based play

  • Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation

PC-based play

  • Monitor, PC, keyboard, headset w/ microphone, mouse (hardwired)

All equipment needed will be supplied for in-person league registration. Virtual league registration will need to provide their own equipment for play at home. Below is the equipment they will need to participate in leagues.

Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros Ultimate participants will need to have a Nintendo Switch, copy of the respective game, and an active Nintendo Switch online subscription. Fortnite and Rocket League participants, with cross play enabled, may participate on their preferred gaming platform.

Yes, fees are based on in-person or virtual league options. Prices are for 8-week sessions.

  • In-person: $45 member / $60 non-member
  • Virtual: $25 member / $40 non-member

YMCA Esports is the development of values through a progressive program stressing skill development, fun, physical fitness, and friendly competition.  All youth have an opportunity to play and families are encouraged to participate. 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 programs including three locally - Maryville, Fontbonne, and St. Louis Universities
  • More than thirty U.S. colleges and universities offer scholarships for gamers

Another component of our Esports program will be for teens to learn how to build gaming PCs. This element of the program is designed to give our participants new skills that will benefit them as they age along with giving accountability to the ownership of the program.

No, the Y's Esports program is open to members and non-members. Pricing listed below.

  • In-person: $45 member / $60 non-member
  • Virtual: $25 member / $40 non-member

Yes! We have options for teens to join or Esports League as a virtual team member. Virtual team members will need to have equipment available at their homes or place of play.


 

Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are one of the most important elements in an Esports program. Volunteers will work closely with players and coaches to identify strengths and areas for growth and make sure everyone is playing their best while having fun. 

 

Apply today!

 

Thank you to our sponsors!

Esports sponsor logos