Let's Play, Together
Make new friends, build confidence and ignite your potential in Canada's first YMCA esports program.
Offering in-person and virtual opportunities including Tournaments, Skill Building Sessions, Drop In, and Day Camps
Whether you’re honing your driving and soccer skills in Rocket League, racing to the finish line in Mario Kart, battling it out in Super Smash Bros, building your next masterpiece in Minecraft, strategizing for victory in Fortnite, or testing your mettle in Fall Guys, we’ll help you develop healthy habits online and offline through our holistic wellness programs..
Esports Video
Now offering tournaments, leagues, camps and more!
Skill Building Sessions
Youth will level up their gaming through weekly skill sessions. Programing will help you hone your gaming skills and strategies while developing teamwork, healthy sportsmanship, and building community. Participants also learn and participate in physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, and digital literacy.
Games offered are Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Fortnite, and Rocket League. We also offer a varied program option which allows participants to choose one of the four games listed above in one seasonal program session.
Virtual Tournaments
Through virtual tournaments, youth enjoy the thrill of competing against peers from the comfort of their own homes. Online players will be added to our Community Discord Server where they can stay connected with one another after the tournament is over. Games will vary and participants must provide their own equipment for play. Supported systems can include Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, or PC. Must have a Discord account.
In Person Tournaments
In-person tournaments offer players the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of competing against their peers in an exciting live tournament environment. Participants will have the chance to meet and make connections with fellow gamers. Games will vary and will be played on the Nintendo Switch console. Participants are encouraged to bring their own controllers.
Drop In Opportunities
Weekly in-person and virtual drop in opportunities give players the chance to get a taste of what Esports has to offer in a more casual environment, whether in person or online. Participants can connect with fellow gamers while enjoying a variety of games played on the Nintendo Switch console & online. Players are encouraged to bring their own controllers.
Day Camps
Campers will learn and play a variety of popular video game titles with a focus on game knowledge and strategy. Campers will also experience traditional day camp activities as well as focus on developing teamwork, healthy sportsmanship, and building community. Participants also learn and participate in physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, and digital literacy.
YMCA Community Discord Server
All participants of our Esports programs will get access to our YMCA Community Discord Server. In this private and moderated online space, youth can meet other members of the YMCA gaming community and participate in free game nights and drop in programs.
Esports Pilot FAQs
Esports help youth thrive through community and healthy competition. Our progressive Esports program gives all youth in Calgary a safe place to play together, learn about technology and develop the skills required for success in STEM.
At the Y, we treat our players like any other athlete and nourish their physical and mental health and wellness. Our Esports program also nurtures:
· Teamwork and social skills
· Problem-solving
· Strategy skills
· Self-confidence
Phase 1 will contain a mix of individual and team-based tournaments. Future phases will introduce more games to the mix.
- Mario Kart™ 8 Deluxe: Players control characters from the Mario universe to race in go-karts around a course. Rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.
Mario Kart
- Super Smash Bros™: Gaming icons clash in the ultimate brawl you can play anytime, anywhere! Rated E10+ by the ESRB.
Super Smash Bro Trailer
- Minecraft: Minecraft is a sandbox game where players can explore, build, and create in a blocky 3D world. Whether crafting structures, surviving challenges, or collaborating with friends, Minecraft sparks creativity and teamwork in an endless adventure. Rated E10+ by the ESRB.
Minecraft
- Fortnite: Fortnite is a popular online game where players compete in a fast-paced battle royale, building structures and strategizing to be the last one standing. It encourages teamwork, creativity, and social interaction, making it a fun and engaging experience for all players. Rated T for Teen by the ESRB.
Fortnite
- Rocket League: a team soccer game where players control cars and work together in a friendly competition against another team. Rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.
- Fall Guys: players control a jellybean and compete in a series of fun mini-games like obstacle courses and soccer. Rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.
- Chess: Play chess online in our chess tournaments. Rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.
Players can sign up with friends as a team to participate in any team events, or individuals in any individual events.
Team events are registered as individuals through our website and as a team through event hosts. Once you register through our website you will be sent information on how to join our Discord and setup your team.
No – everyone is welcome to play!
For in-person programs we have a limit of 12 participants at Rocky Ridge, and 16 at Seton. For in-person tournaments we have a limit of 16 participants at Rocky Ridge and Seton. For virtual tournaments we have a limit of 48 participants. Though we may increase the number depending on demand. If you want to play, please sign up early.
Members: $14
Non-members: $17
Volunteer with us!
Do you want to gain relevant experience while coordinating in person and online tournaments with Esports?
Want to learn more about esports at the YMCA?
We're happy to answer any questions you have about our new esports pilot program. Please, contact us at esports@ymcacalgary.org
You can also stay in the know with esports and other activities at the YMCA by joining our email list.
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