Cloud9 Esports is transitioning its youth development initiative into an after-school program in partnership with tennis star Serena Williams.
The Santa Monica, California-based esports organization launched a youth initiative, Training Grounds, as an online summer camp last year to nurture middle and high school students in esports.
The program aims to emphasize teamwork, critical thinking and sportsmanship within the context of competitive gaming. Cloud9 said its Training Grounds coaches also deliver a curriculum centered on youth mentorship, growth and excellence, while building a fun and inclusive gaming community.
Now the Cloud9 is launching a “Training Grounds Champion’s Mindset” course with Williams offering her practices and mindset shifts that drove her as an athlete while also including specific tips for coaching young esports players.
In collaboration with youth sports organization Positive Coaching Alliance, Cloud9 is offering the “Champion’s Mindset” course free on its website for school coaches, parents and educators to use as part of their youth development work.
“Hard-work, practice and dedication are so important when you’re working to become the best and make your dreams come true, whether that be in sport or something different,” Williams said in a statement. “As an advisor on Cloud9, I am excited to team up on their Training Grounds program to help nurture these skills in students everywhere.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with Serena Williams, truly one of the greatest tennis champions of all time, to teach our coaches the best way to inspire and train aspiring young athletes,” said Training Grounds Executive Director Samir Bolar. “As we transition our Training Grounds program into schools, Serena’s ‘Champion’s Mindset’ course will be an essential coaching tool in developing young gamers that are goal-oriented, healthy, and resilient.”
