General
What exactly is E-Sports?
Exceptional Sports (E-Sports) are a collection of fully inclusive programs dedicated to empowering kids of all abilities to reach their full athletic and social potential. We have over 20 Bay Area locations, and each session places special needs and typical needs kids alongside each other for a series of fun physical activities.
How many locations are there?
Currently E-Sports has 22 active official locations around the San Francisco Bay Area. Each location hosts a different sport. Some locations host multiple sports at the same venue.
Are there any E-Sports locations outside of the Bay Area?
E-Sports has been successfully launched in multiple locations around the world, including Kenya, the Philippines and China. While our team helped train the volunteers at many of these locations, we do not officially coordinate with any E-Sports location outside of the Bay Area.
How long is an E-Sports season?
Since all of our E-Sports locations are completely volunteer run, each location operates on their own schedule independant of the other programs, as the personal schedules of each location’s coordinators vary. Visit our locations page to find the season schedule information for the E-Sports location nearest you.
Is your program affiliated with online gaming?
No. Esports is a form of online competition using video games that happens to share the same as our organization. In our case, the “E” in the name stands for “Exceptional.” Visit our philosophy page for more information about what makes us stand out.
Participating
Is there an age limit to participate in E-Sports?
Generally speaking, E-Sports is catered to kids ages 3-17. However, our programs are flexible and can generally find a place for anyone to participate. Please contact us if you have questions about any situation or scenario you have in mind.
What should I bring?
Your child should be wearing comfortable exercise clothes and shoes. No sports-specific apparel (e.g. cleats) is required. Additionally, have handy a bottle of water and some sunscreen. An E-Sports session typically lasts an hour.
What do I do when I show up?
Upon arrival, ask for a coordinator in order to check in. You will be directed to where your child’s age group is located on the field or court.
When/where does E-Sports take place in my location?
Since all of our E-Sports locations are completely volunteer run, each location operates on their own schedule independant of the other programs, as the personal schedules of each location’s coordinators vary. Visit our locations page to find the season schedule information for the E-Sports location nearest you.
Is there a cost to sign up my child?
No! E-Sports is completely free.
How do I sign up?
Visit our Participant Application page to begin the application process for your child.
Volunteering
How do I get involved as an E-Sports coach?
Visit our Volunteer Application page to begin the application process to volunteer.
Can I get community service credits for my school?
Yes! If you are a student and would like to receive volunteer credit for your time as an E-Sports coach, please contact us and let us know.
What is the commitment to be an E-Sports coach?
While we do not have a formal commitment process, we do ask that a volunteer coach does their best to make it to each E-Sports session once the season is underway. This will help ensure the best experience for the kids as they begin to develop relationships with their mentors.
Do I need any sports experience?
No specific sports experience is required! The only requirement is a heart to serve, and help typical and special needs kids develop great friendships with each other.
Start an E-Program
I have an idea for an E-Program. Where can I learn about how to get it started?
Visit our Start an E-Program for a step by step guide with resources to help you start an E-Program.
Does my E-Program have to be a sport?
Nope! The heart behind E-Sports is to create an inclusive environment around any kind of social activity. As long as your idea involves helping typical and special needs kids build relationships, they you’re good to go.
Will my E-Program be an official E-Sports activity?
No. Our goal in encouraging people to start their own E-Programs is that we can empower everyone to create inclusive environments in their homes, neighborhoods and communities. By starting an E-Program, you are essentially creating your own activity separate from E-Sports.
Can I get help from an E-Sports representative in launching my E-Program?
Of course! If you have questions about how to start your E-Program, please contact us and we’d be happy to assist you.