Iowanews Headlines

George Fox University (GFU) and Chehalem Parks and Recreation District (CPRD) have partnered with Esports & Online Gaming Association (ESOGA) to deliver a series of pro-social gaming experiences and youth camps at GFU’s world-class esports arena. ESOGA will help design and manage recreational gaming experiences that incorporate STEM concepts. The program is hosted at GFU’s state-of-the-art facility in Newberg, OR with sessions scheduled monthly throughout the year in partnership with CPRD’s community youth programs.

The program offers local youth a variety of fun gaming challenges along with an introduction to esports in a collegiate setting. College esports has emerged as a path for non-traditional student-athletes to leverage their unique talents into potential scholarships. Bruins’ Head Coach Miles Dean leads a roster of over 60 GFU student-athletes who compete in a variety of game titles and formats – college players test their skills against some of the best players in the nation. GFU Esports is recognized as one of the top NECC (National Esports Collegiate Conference) and NACE (National Association of Collegiate Esports) programs in the United States.

CPRD is also taking a leadership role among municipal organizations in promoting esports and structured gaming activities for local youth. Structured gameplay includes U.S. Center for SafeSport certified coaches who guide players on strategy and teamwork, emphasizing respect for others and online decorum. The program offers a way for youth to channel their energies into fun and educational activities, with an opportunity to engage and meet new friends in their local community.

ESOGA provides an all-in-one safety framework and gaming expertise for organizations looking to adopt esports for their communities. The program features gameplay that emphasizes teamwork, life-balance and integrity. These Esport Camps focus on family-friendly games such as Minecraft, Roblox, Rocket League, and Fortnite.

“Many of our programs are virtual with participants across the nation. This partnership allows us to deliver a “next-level” experience by offering on-site programs to local youth at GFU’s world-class facility. For us, it’s more than just creating esports experiences, it’s creating youth programs that integrate with communities”, says Nate Parent, Founder & CEO of ESOGA.

Matt Compton, Recreation Coordinator, Chehalem Parks & Recreation District, commented, “By adding youth esports camps to our programs, we are able to support local youth with new recreational activities that provide necessary 21st century skills and learning outcomes. ESOGA is a team of hands-on professionals guiding us through every step so that we provide quality esports events in a safe and fun environment. We are thrilled to partner with George Fox University and ESOGA, and look forward to engaging our community in this new venture!”

“George Fox University is excited to partner with ESOGA for STEM & esports,” says Miles Dean, Director & Head Coach of Esports at George Fox University, “ESOGA’s commitment to youth enrichment for the past few years provides a foundation of growth and success while kicking off George Fox’s spring, summer, fall & winter STEM camps in 2023. We are excited to introduce and support youth gamers in the Portland, OR area to esports.”

ABOUT GEORGE FOX UNIVERSITY ESPORTS

George Fox University offers one of the nation’s premier esports programs.  The program launch in 2021 included the construction of a world-class facility featuring exceptional internet speeds, gaming stations, and broadcast capability. The GFU Esports Team, led by head coach Miles Dean, actively recruits players from across the nation to compete against colleges and universities in the NECC (National Esports Collegiate Conference). 

ABOUT CHEHALEM PARKS & RECREATION DISTRICT

The mission of Chehalem Park and Recreation District is to connect and enrich the community through parks, recreation, open space, natural resources, and educational opportunities. CPRD’s parks, programs  and services cover Newberg and Dundee, OR and include neighborhood, community, and districtwide parks, sports complexes, disc golf courses, skateparks (one world-class), an American BMX Association track, a dog park, and Chehalem Glenn Golf Course – a top-notch 18-hole public course.  

ABOUT ESOGA

Founded in 2019, Esports and Online Gaming Association (ESOGA) provides structured youth and community esports programs. Providing both virtual and in-person programs, youth are empowered in positive ways to enjoy the video games they love with the safety and support of their community. Additional software and services are available for organizations seeking to provide esports programs for their own communities.

Media Contacts

George Fox University Esports

Contact Person:  Miles Dean, Head Coach,

Esports Email: [email protected]

Country: USA

Chehalem Parks & Recreation

Contact Person: Matthew Compton

Email: [email protected]

Country: USA

Media Contact
Company Name: Esports & Online Gaming Association, Inc. (ESOGA)
Contact Person: David Mays
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: www.esoga.gg