Esports continues to be a trending programming avenue for recreation centers. This is partly because gaming breaks down barriers to participation for many participants in communities.
Taylor Kassel, the executive director at the Oscar Lasko YMCA and Childcare Center branch of YMCA of Greater Brandywine, said their esports program has created a space for kids and teens who may not be drawn to more traditional sports programming and provides them a space to benefit from teamwork, critical thinking and strategy, and a strong sense of belonging.
“I’ve seen participants light up when they enter our esports lab at the Oscar Lasko YMCA,” said Kassel. “It’s more than gaming — it’s connections, confidence and community. Youth are forming friendships, building digital skills and are feeling seen. I’m excited for the growing recognition that esports is getting as a powerful platform for youth development.”
Kelly Hutchison, the sports director at YMCA of Superior California, said parents are even requesting esports programming for younger children.
“Due to parent requests and community needs we now start as young as 6 years old,” said Hutchison. “More and more colleges are offering scholarships for Esports. High schools are now competing at an interscholastic level.”
With the increased attention on this type of programming, Kassel and Hutchison provided five ways to have success with esports programs at recreation centers:
1. Do Your Research
Kassel said to ensure you understand the games your participants care about, what competition or collaborators are in your market, and what equipment is required to provide a fast, positive and safe experience.
“Developing an esports lab can be a significant investment and it’s worthwhile to ensure you’re investing in materials and environments that will help to grow your program, said Kassel. “At YMCA of Greater Brandywine, we also recognize for many kids, community-based esports programs may be their only access to modern equipment and safe, structured online play.”
2. Coaching is of the Utmost Importance
Hutchison saidjust hiring an individual with a lot of gaming knowledge is not enough. It takes the perfect personality to teach the kids, engage them and allow kids to have fun yet keep control of the Esports room.
3. Create a Beneficial Curriculum for All
The true value of esports lies in the life skills it builds. The YMCA of Greater Brandywine partnered with Metro Esports, a local tech leader, to develop a curriculum that blends play with learning — teaching teamwork, digital literacy and creative problem-solving.
“Our team also helps recruit dynamic young STEM professionals to lead our classes, which brings energy and relatability to the program,” said Kassel.
Hutchison said a strong curriculum is important to the parents as they want a reason to spend their money and sign their kids up. Their kids can play for free in their own living room so, why and how is your program going to be different for them?
4. Engage the Whole Family
Structured esports can be a new concept for many caregivers. The YMCA of Greater Brandywine intentionally creates opportunities to inform families about the social, emotional and academic benefits of Esports. The team there found when parents understand the impact, they become some of their biggest champions.
5. Consider Using Nintendo Switches Rather than Computers
With just three switches, Hutchison said her Y can get 12 kids playing — four on each Switch — at a time. “We asked for donations of old TVs and quickly got three TVs that could be used for the program,” she said. “If a child has their own Switch, they’re encouraged to bring it. It’s amazing how many kids have a Switch.”
Hutchison added Switches are easy to travel with, either to a tournament as a team or to a different room. There have also been times the Y lost internet due to storms, but with a Switch participants can still play games without using the internet.
Lasting Benefits
Esports is one of the most exciting and inclusive parts of programming at YMCA of Greater Brandywine. Kassel said it’s not just for kids who don’t play traditional sports — it’s for anyone looking to connect, grow and have fun.
“We’ve been able to offer esports in so many different formats like leagues, tournaments, open play, classes and even one-day instructional sessions,” said Kassel. “There’s something for everyone. We’ve also incorporated video game development courses. It’s a program that’s both educational and engaging. With dynamic lighting and high-end equipment, our esports lab naturally draws young people in. It’s a place where they want to be.”
For the YMCA of Superior California, Hutchison said the organization has opened its esports programming to disabled and neurodivergent children, children who dislike running and others who would’ve missed being part of the YMCA family if not for Esports.
“Almost everything learned in youth sports can be taught to kids in an esports program,” said Hutchison. “Esports players learn teamwork, communication, respect, responsibility, leadership, collaboration and gain self-esteem. Participating families are very glad to be part of the YMCA and have volunteered for our committees, special events and volunteer opportunities like clean up days due to their appreciation of the YMCA and their child’s involvement at the Y thanks to esports.”
