GREEN — When the deadly COVID-19 pandemic rocked Northeast Ohio, several cities and schools began looking at virtual programs to keep youth occupied while reaching out to families in a wide range of ways to try to keep them safe.
The latest program to begin sweeping the country has reached the city’s leadership in the form of esports for anyone 8 or older.
The city’s Parks and Recreation Division has chosen to partner with GGLeagues to provide opportunities to players throughout the year to develop skills that can help them throughout their lives.
Esports can be played on the computer, Xbox, PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch.
“The main reason we are adding esports to our recreational options is to provide a program for any age group from [age 8 through adult] and those who may socialize differently,” said Zack Kaufman, the parks division’s recreation programmer. “We try to provide programming for all ages, but struggle to reach them. Esports is one of the fastest growing recreational pastimes.” Kaufman added.
Registration is available through Green’s website: www.cityofgreen.org/esports. Cost is $40 per player person season, and there are four seasons available — spring, summer, fall and winter, according to Greg Boehm, GGLeague partner success manager. The player chooses what leagues to join, and league champions win prizes and a chance to go to nationals.
Valerie Wolford, the city’s communications manager, said there is no limit to the number of registrations. Green had six register in just the first few days the program was available on the city’s website.
Kaufman explained the city communicated its intentions with Green Local Schools officials before proceeding with partnering with GGLeagues.
Asked how the program enhances players’ minds and skills, manager Boehm said, “Our leagues provide an elevated experience for players by being a great place to make new friends interested in similar esports and improving skills by competing with others the player’s age.
“This year, we have expanded our educational content and resources and we recently formed educational partnerships with groups like The Coalition of Parents in Esports, Healthy Gamer, and the*gameHERs.”
“We try to provide not only the most fun, but also an incredibly well-rounded gaming experience for our players.
Boehm said other area communities with GGLeagues partnerships include Akron, Barberton, Bedford, Chardon, Cleveland, Hudson, Macedonia, North Ridgeville, Orange, Streetsboro, Tallmadge and Willoughby.
He added that league winners receive a GGLeagues champion T-shirt, medal, and an Amazon gift card.
Meredith Zaffrann, director of Hudson’s Community Education & Recreation project, commented: “Absolutely, we have been pleased with the program. They [GGLeagues] have been a great program to work with and they make it really easy to partner with them. We are hoping to turn the program into a Hudson team that could represent the community.”
Zaffrann added, “We were looking into an esport lab like the University of Akron and The Ohio State University have, but this is a good first step to see if there is an appetite for this in the community.”
The HCER project provides service to the entire community so even private school students can sign up to participate by going to the Hudson website: www.hudson.oh.us/hcer and then go to box on right and click on register here for programs.
Craig Barger, Streetsboro’s city recreation programmer, said the city has just entered the partnership and will begin play in the GGLeagues spring sports followed by the summer and fall sports.
“We wanted to offer the program to youngsters age 8 and up and adults all of whom would play in their own age groups.
“What is nice is GGLeagues offer different webinars and website for parents on how Esports benefit the players by learning skills they can use through life.”
