Running youth esports teams is a rewarding experience, filled with excitement and growth opportunities. However, like any organized activity, it comes with its own set of challenges. In this blog post, we will explore some of these challenges and provide strategies to overcome them. From finding the right coaches to ensuring players’ commitment, we will cover essential aspects of building successful youth esports teams.
The Challenge of Finding the Right Coaches
Finding coaches who understand the game and can effectively train players is relatively straightforward. However, finding coaches who embody the character skills we aim to instill in our players is much more challenging. Coaches have a direct influence on the players, and it is crucial that they display qualities such as punctuality, teamwork, commitment, the ability to take constructive criticism, sportsmanship, and mental resilience.
Enhancing Team Activity and Commitment
We are making significant changes to our program to emphasize teamwork and commitment. By adding at least one additional player per team, we increase competition and ensure that playing time is earned. This setup not only prepares players for unforeseen circumstances, such as a teammate’s absence, but also instills a sense of responsibility and dedication.
Parents and players often view esports as a casual activity, but our approach aims to make it both enjoyable and developmental. By fostering a competitive environment, we encourage players to take their roles seriously and commit fully to their teams. This commitment is vital for their personal development and future endeavors.
The Importance of Proper Attire in Esports
Wearing the appropriate attire is a common requirement in traditional sports and other organized activities like robotics and debate. Esports should be no different. We mandate that players wear specific attire to practices and games to instill a sense of discipline and professionalism. This practice also prepares them for future professional environments, where adhering to dress codes is often essential.
For example, in our early days, we had a player who refused to wear his team shirt to practice, and his coach failed to enforce the rule. This lack of discipline carried over into his job with us, where it took weeks to get him to wear his staff shirt. By emphasizing the importance of proper attire, we teach our players valuable life skills that extend beyond the gaming arena.
Conclusion
Running youth esports teams comes with unique challenges, but with the right strategies, these challenges can be effectively addressed. By focusing on finding the right coaches, enhancing team activity and commitment, and ensuring proper attire, we create a structured and developmental environment for our players. These efforts not only make esports enjoyable but also prepare youth for their future, instilling valuable life skills and character traits.
