By Austin Miller, GTM Lead, Esport Supply
If your kid loves video games and wants to get involved in esports, the best place to start is usually their school. Many middle schools and high schools have gaming clubs or competitive teams where students can practice, compete, and meet others who share their interests. If your child’s school doesn’t offer esports, community programs and supervised online competitions may provide other ways to participate.
Parents sometimes assume their child needs to be an exceptional gamer before joining a team. That’s not necessarily true. Like traditional school sports, esports programs can accommodate different experience levels, and there are opportunities for students interested in gaming without necessarily wanting to compete. I’d start by finding out what kind of experience your child actually wants.
How Can You Find an Esports Program for Your Child?
Contact your child’s school and ask whether there’s an esports team, gaming club, or teacher who organizes gaming activities. Some programs are relatively new and aren’t widely advertised, so the activities director or school administration may be the best place to start.
If a team exists, ask which games students play, whether tryouts are required, and how practices and competitions are organized. Some schools have competitive rosters with limited openings, while others welcome students who simply want to participate. Organizations such as PlayVS offer information to help parents understand scholastic esports and how school competitions work.
If the school doesn’t have a program, I wouldn’t start by asking the principal to build an esports arena. That’s probably a little ambitious for the first conversation. Instead, find out whether other students are interested and whether a teacher would sponsor a club. The Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations (NASEF) provides resources for families interested in scholastic esports.
You can also look for supervised youth esports leagues, community recreation programs, or gaming clubs outside school. Organized online competitions may be another option, provided the game and tournament are appropriate for your child’s age and an adult understands how participation and communication are managed.
Does Your Child Need to Be a Great Gamer?
Not necessarily, although competitive teams may hold tryouts when roster spots are limited. Some students want to improve their skills and compete, while others are more interested in playing with friends or learning about gaming technology. Finding a program that matches those interests matters more than starting with an impressive competitive record.
There’s also plenty happening around esports competitions beyond playing. Schools may need students to produce livestreams, organize tournaments, create graphics, manage equipment, or provide commentary during matches. I’d encourage parents to ask coaches about those opportunities, especially if their child enjoys gaming but isn’t interested in competing regularly.
What Should Parents Look for in a Good Esports Program?
I’d pay more attention to the adults running the program than the equipment in the room. A good coach or faculty sponsor should explain how students are supervised, what behavior is expected, and how gaming fits alongside school responsibilities. Parents should also understand how inappropriate behavior, bullying, or harassment is handled.
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) offers guidance on game ratings, parental controls, and online safety. Check the age ratings of the games being played and the eligibility requirements of any tournament platform. It’s also worth asking whether students communicate through school-supervised channels or outside services such as Discord, where privacy settings and adult oversight may differ.
Facilities matter, but they don’t have to be elaborate. Some programs use existing computer labs, while others have dedicated gaming areas. I’d be more concerned about dependable equipment, appropriate supervision, and a comfortable environment than whether the school has an impressive arena.
Do You Need to Buy an Expensive Gaming PC?
Before buying equipment, ask what the program provides and whether students are expected to practice at home. Some schools supply computers or consoles for practices and competitions, so your child may not need anything new.
Hardware requirements also vary by game. A computer that’s adequate for one title may struggle with another, but that doesn’t mean every student needs an expensive gaming system. I’d wait until you know which games your child wants to play and what their coach recommends before making a major purchase.
How Can You Help Your Child Enjoy Esports?
If your child joins a team, encourage them to approach esports like other extracurricular activities. Practicing, listening to a coach, supporting teammates, and learning to handle wins and losses are all part of the experience. It’s also worth discussing healthy gaming habits so that sleep, schoolwork, and other responsibilities remain priorities.
I wouldn’t put too much pressure on where esports might eventually lead. Some students become serious competitors, while others enjoy being part of a team or discover interests in technology, broadcasting, and event production. Helping your child find an activity they’re excited about, make friends, and feel more connected to a community is already a worthwhile outcome.
