Teenagers shut away from the rest of family, sitting alone in a dark room in front of a monitor with a headset... every parent's worst-case scenario, right? That narrative is changing, folks!  Owners of Level Up Esports, Matt Phillips and Jim MacDonald, sat down in their recently outfitted, state-of-the-art gaming facility in Cornelius with host Hanna Schoenrock to talk about how their vision became a reality and what the future holds for gamers (it's really cool!).

For parents who've wished our kids would get outside and off the couch and away from the gaming screen, this story is a positive, exciting one. Last year, Matt and Jim decided to create a space for kids to come to a safe place, participate in a sport (gaming), be on a team, have the opportunity to win trophies and make new friends, and get coaching and mentorship. Oh, and some of these kids are preparing to enter college on esports scholarships! That's a thing!

You'll hear more about how Level Up Esports became a reality--including when they initially had to set and up and tear down computers and headsets and other equipment like a pop-up business. The current facility is high-end, but their prices are not. They work hard to make it possible for anyone aged 7-15 to participate. There's even a Club option for kids over 15 who want to play and compete.

Level Up Esports offers recreational gaming, coached gaming, team competitions with national teams, tournaments, Club-level competition, and camps. The kids--some with disabilities, some who are not drawn to traditional sports, others who play traditional sports during some seasons and game in other seasons--are all gamers, and they've found a place to make friends, learn life lessons, play games in a safe space, and compete if they want to. The parents tell amazing stories of the positive impacts this organization has had on their kids.

This is a feel-good story. Enjoy!
And a huge THANK YOU to sponsor 760 Docks!

Information regarding Level Up Esports:

• Website: https://lknesports.com/about-us/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LVLupLKN 
• Instagram: @lvl_up_esportsnc 
• Email: matt@levelupesports.gg
• Phone: 704-879-3529

Information regarding the Sponsor of this episode:  760 Docks

• Business Phone:  704-966-9437, Email:  Hello@760Docks.com 
• Website:  https://www.760Docks.com
• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LKN-Repair-Group
• Instagram:  @760Docks
• Float in style on the lake this summer with one of their viral FloaTABLES for $500 off plus free delivery for LKN residents with code LKNLOCAL on their website 760Docks.com