The Wilton YMCA’s (404 Danbury Rd.) esports program is a testament to the fact that esports is more than just a game — it’s a billion-dollar industry, a social media phenomenon and, here in Wilton, a community.
Established by CT Esports Academy and Affinity Esports, the program works to promote healthy gaming among players of all levels of experience ages 7-17. The Wilton Y provides a nurturing environment where stereotypes of isolated and addicted gamers are forgotten — a safe space for kids who are interested in gaming to learn valuable skills and thrive socially.
“We are a community-first esports organization,” Mark Kilpatrick, one of the founders of Affinity Esports, wrote in an email interview. “We’re building a framework that supports kids, parents, educators, and community leaders in understanding the positive potential of gaming when delivered in a structured, intentional way.”
The healthy gaming that Affinity facilitates teaches “hard skills” such as video-editing, coding, hand-eye coordination and game-specific skills, but also less tangible skills. Joseph Mele, a Newtown High School sophomore, loyal Affinity member and the captain of his Valorant team, has experienced this first-hand.
Esports “helps me communicate with younger kids and adults,” Joseph said.
Kilpatrick noted that participation in the program promotes “communication, teamwork, problem-solving” and other social-emotional skills, but also provides “exposure to college programs, industry roles, and professional pathways in gaming and esports.”
Affinity offers a wide variety of programs — some more competitive than others — including club teams, after school programs, summer camps, casual Friday game nights and even birthday parties.
When asked how these programs differ from at-home gaming, Joseph’s mother, Rachel Mele, pointed out the value of adult oversight. “At home, kids can easily make mistakes online without the proper guidance,” she said. She also noted that she can watch her son play in competitions narrated by a “shoutcaster.”
There also is something game-changing about playing alongside like-minded friends and supportive adults.
“At home, you can talk with friends online, but the feeling, like, the vibe isn’t the same as when you’re in person with everyone, with the coach there in your ear,” Joseph said.
The Wilton Y’s esports program is a safe space for everyone. A largely women-led organization, Affinity offers girls’ gaming programs and hopes to increase female enrollment. It is also a sensory-friendly environment where children with special needs can thrive.
“We’ve seen firsthand how kids — particularly those with anxiety or who are neurodivergent — find their voice and comfort in our programs,” Kilpatrick wrote. “Our team is trained, our spaces are designed for belonging, and we’re hands-on with parents and community partners to maintain positive, open environments.”
There are several ways to get involved in esports at the Wilton Y. Families can register online for seasonal programs including summer camps, which are currently enrolling and run from June 17 through Aug. 22. Interested families are also encouraged to contact staff directly at wilton@affinityesports.gg or (203) 290-1656.
Rachel and Joseph Mele’s first Affinity experience was at one of the youth game nights, which take place every Friday from 6-9 p.m. for gamers ages 7-15. Registration costs $35, $28 for YMCA members.
“It was just a low-cost, low-commitment way to try it out,” Rachel said.
Whether through welcoming Friday night newcomers with pizza, honoring a gamer with the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) award, or celebrating a championship victory, the Wilton Y’s esports program benefits its participants both on and off the screen.