Fostering Values Through Esports with John Green

Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of esports with our special guest, John Green, an expert in the field and founder of Fellowship Esports, a unique kids-only community that combines gaming with character development. Join us as we delve into how John bridges the gap between parents and their gaming children, providing a space for growth and understanding in the digital age.

In this episode, you will be able to:

1. Learn about John Green’s Fellowship Esports, which provides a structured, team-focused environment for character development in young gamers.
2. Explore the communication and strategic skills taught to enhance teamwork and performance in games like Valorant and Overwatch.
3. Find out how a moderated, kids-only community promotes healthy interactions and safe online gaming experiences.
4. Understand how kids develop important skills like responsibility and focus, which aid in personal and academic growth.
5. Learn how parental engagement can enrich the child’s gaming journey and strengthen the parent-child relationship.

Hey there, Paul Banas here from Great Dad Talks. This week, I had the pleasure of chatting with John Green, an expert in the esports world and a pioneering dad who’s turning video games into enriching team-building experiences for kids. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably intrigued about how video games, often seen as mindless entertainment, can be transformed into structured learning environments. Let’s dive right in!

A New Age of After-School Programs

John Green is the driving force behind Fellowship Esports, an innovative community dedicated to bringing structure to the chaotic world of online gaming. As a former collegiate esports coach, John noticed something unsettling about the way children engage with video games. He says, “The online space wasn’t real happy with what online communities look like. They’re mostly run by 16 to 18-year-olds with no guidance or rules.” John’s initiative is all about changing that pattern, creating a virtual “after-school sports program” but with a focus on esports rather than traditional ones like soccer or basketball.

Esports: More Than Just Games

John’s approach brings a whole new perspective to what esports can offer. Here’s how he describes the setup: “It’s a kids-only community. We verify that they’re all kids. I meet all of the parents… we run a structured team program that looks more like athletics.” This structure not only gives kids a sense of community but also provides them with essential life skills. As John notes, these programs can have the same benefits as traditional sports teams do, in areas like:

• Camaraderie and teamwork: Just like in traditional sports, esports can foster strong bonds among kids.
• Personal development: Kids learn accountability and decision-making in high-pressure situations.
• Structured discipline: Kids are coached on everything from game strategy to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The Importance of Character Development

John is particularly passionate about teaching kids not just to play better but to be better. He explains, “We teach the kids how to do all of that. So over the course of the eight-week program, by the end of it, they’re able to provide relevant information and do it without taking any of the criticism or information personally.”

Transforming the Perception

One of the things that struck me most was how John is challenging the stigma associated with video gaming. He highlights, “I try to teach them just enough so that when the game’s over, they can go to their kid and say, ‘Hey, I saw you do x, y, and z thing,'” allowing parents to bridge the gap in understanding with their children.

Key Advice for Parents

John offers some actionable advice for parents looking to support their children’s interest in esports:

• Engage in the community: Understand the games your children are playing by watching them or even trying them out yourself.
• Encourage a balanced lifestyle: Ensure kids take part in physical activities and other personal development habits.
• Select the right environment: Choose moderated and structured gaming communities to avoid the toxicity often associated with online gaming.

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to dismiss video games as child’s play, but John Green is flipping that notion on its head. His work shows just how powerful esports can be for shaping young minds, teaching them invaluable lessons that extend far beyond the screen. If you have kids interested in gaming, Fellowship Esports may just be the community you’re looking for.

For more insights from our conversation, make sure to listen to the full episode of Great Dad Talks. Stay strong and keep connected!