Greater Kansas City, MO – Mid-Continent Public Library and the Unified Esports Association (UEA) have partnered to launch a new series of workshops for local teen gamers. Beginning Monday, October 11, the Library will host a series of 11 classes via Zoom during which attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the eSports industry and how they can hone and use their love of gaming for future success.
All the Gaming Concepts workshops will be free to attend and simply require online registration at mymcpl.org/Gaming. Attendees will receive expert instruction from AbdulRasheed Yahaya, a former collegiate eSports competitor, Twitch and Facebook gaming streamer, and current Chief Business Development Officer at UEA. Yahaya also serves as President of Local Legends Gaming, a video game truck, and Chair of the Kansas City Sports Commission’s eSports Coalition (KCEC).
“As a competitor and entrepreneur, it’s always been important to me that we show the youth both sides of eSports—that there are opportunities beyond just playing the game, as well as the synergy between a gaming and traditional career pathway,” said Yahaya.
The schedule of classes includes:
- October 11, 6:00–7:00 p.m. – Gaming Concepts: Goal-Setting and Decision-Making Skills
- Attendees will learn how to use goal-setting and decision-making skills to enhance gaming success.
- October 12, 6:00–7:00 p.m. – Gaming Concepts: How Do I Teach Video Games?
- During this class, teens will learn how to play any game with correct posture and behavior.
- October 18, 6:00–7:00 p.m. – Gaming Concepts: Team Building – Effective Communication
- Communication is a key part of building a successful eSports team. Attendees will learn how to become better communicators during this team-building course.
- October 19, 6:00–7:00 p.m. Gaming Concepts: “Why do you spend so much time on those stupid games?”
- This workshop will focus on advocating for eSports by reflecting on why the participants spend their time gaming.
- October 25, 6:00–7:00 p.m. – Gaming Concepts: Health and Nutrition Speaker
- This class will cover why it’s important for gamers to stay healthy and how they can do so through good nutrition, injury prevention and safety, and focusing on mental and emotional health.
- October 26, 6:00 –7:00 p.m. – Gaming Concepts: How Much Is Too Much?
- Participants will engage in a discussion about the amount and effects of screen time, including how to reduce health risks and maintain health-enhancing behaviors.
- November 1, 6:00–7:00 p.m. – Gaming Concepts: Advocating for eSports
- Students will explore the benefits of video games (health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, social interaction) and learn how to advocate for the scholastic acceptance of eSports.
- November 2, 6:00–7:00 p.m. – Gaming Concepts: Professional Speaker – Gamer Health
- A local expert will speak about the topic of health and gaming.
- November 8, 6:00–7:00 p.m. – Gaming Concepts: Toxic Play
- Participants will reflect on real-life toxic experiences during online gaming and brainstorm how to handle and prevent them from happening.
- November 9, 6:00–7:00 p.m. – Gaming Concepts: Router Basics
- This lesson will explain what exactly the router does and why the router is an important part of gaming.
- November 15, 6:00–7:00 p.m. – Gaming Concepts: Logbook Reflection
- This final workshop will focus on participants’ reflections of the series and what they’ve learned.
During the series, Yahaya will also share information about upcoming eSports opportunities that participants can compete in at no cost, as well as information about resources like LEVELUP Arena, which provides space and equipment for gamers to play and compete.
Registration for the Gaming Concepts series is available at mymcpl.org/Gaming.
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