(KNSI) – Player one, get ready to test your skills as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota launch an Esports program.
The St. Cloud-based organization received pass-through funding from Boys & Girls Clubs of America to begin the program. Kids take part in organized leagues, tournaments, and casual play, developing skills in popular games while learning the importance of healthy gaming habits. The program emphasizes collaboration, strategic planning, effective communication, and problem-solving skills. Kids compete with popular games like Madden, Fortnite, Pico Park, Rocket League, and other approved games.
According to the BGCCM, gamers are introduced to potential career paths in design, coding, broadcasting, and other technology-related fields. They say Esports provides kids with a structured and supportive environment to engage in competitive and recreational gaming while developing critical skills such as teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking.
Esports programming is available at the Southside and Eastside Clubs. During the summer, the BGCCM will host monthly inter-club Esports tournaments, which are in the planning stages.
“Our goal is to have an Esports lounge and program at each of our 5 Boys & Girls Clubs as part of our commitment to provide quality STEM programming that meets the needs and interests of our teens,” said Geri Bechtold, Vice President of Operations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota. “We hope to install Esports lounges at the Roosevelt and Discovery Boys & Girls Clubs within the next year.”
The clubs welcome kids in kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, click here.
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