Harena Data Launches After School Gaming Clubs

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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowFranklin-based Harena Data Inc., which bills itself the world’s largest esports community aggregator, is launching a regional program to help students stay engaged with their peers and form new friendships through competitive gaming. Harena says After School Gaming Clubs provides access to activities like book clubs, sports and chess.
The virtual program is available for students between ages 7 and 17, and Harena says the clubs will take place on its COPPA-compliant, Safe Harbor-certified platform and will include coaches and guides that are federally background checked and have SafeSport certification and training.
“Before COVID, there were generations of kids who were already more comfortable engaging online socially through video games, and the pandemic has magnified that,” said Bill Dever, chief strategy officer at Harena Data. “Through our After School programs, we turn a negative into a positive as we help train kids to engage socially online and make new friends in a safe digital environment.”
In addition to daily competitive matches and tournaments, Harena says the clubs will run special events and spring break programming such as educational adventure camps, regional matches, tournaments, leagues, and prize competitions.
“We’ve had so many discussions with parents who are thankful for our programs, as it helps them engage with their kids on their own turf,” said Dever. “Video gaming is our trojan horse to character development and digital literacy, and kids will make new friends while having fun doing it.”
The gaming clubs are set to run every Monday to Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.