The YMCA of Greater Des Moines announced it has joined the National Y Esports Initiative, which will enable kids ages 10-14 to participate in regional, multiplayer online video game competitions beginning this fall. Through the program, kids can compete as part of three-person teams against other teams from YMCAs throughout the Midwest. Alicia King, director of the esports program, says the Y is uniquely positioned to offer a competitive program that appeals to both kids and parents. “Some parents shy away from esports because they are worried about what their kids might encounter in a largely unsupervised online environment,” King said. “YMCAs have come together to develop an open, competitive, adult-moderated esports league where kids can play safely, improve their skills and derive the benefits of being part of a team.” The inaugural eight-week program, which will meet in a virtual environment twice a week, will feature Rocket League, a popular game combining rocket-powered vehicles and arcade-style soccer. More information can be found on the YMCA of Greater Des Moines website.