Important Fall & Summer Updates

Coaches Survey & Town Hall

Over the next few months, big changes are coming to New York scholastic esports. ESSEF is here to help schools, teams, coaches, and players during this time of transition. Due to drastic changes in payment structures relating to our online league hosting vendor that impact the fall season, the ESSEF board of directors is exploring other options to be implemented before the start of the school year. We know that many ESSEF and New York K12 esports programs outside of ESSEF will not be able to afford league fees in the fall. School budgets are done and school bureaucracy is such that asking schools to pay fees for the fall 2026 season at this point in the school year is a non-starter. We will make the following happen:

  • Numerous LAN events (including ESSEF Tours)
  • New York State Championship at Syracuse University on Dec 12, 2026
  • Coach networking and training events during the 2026-2027 school year
  • An online league that is affordable and responsive to your concerns

To better gauge your opinion on leagues, pricing, and format, we would like coaches to:

  • Take a brief survey to help us guide ESSEF decision making
  • Attend an upcoming town hall on June 22 at 4 PM. The gathering is a time to provide you information, answer questions, and meet as a community to meet our challenges.

ESSEF Town Hall
Monday, June 22 · 4:00 – 5:00pm
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/yqd-kxpv-fup

We can’t stress to you enough how important your input is at this particular time and moment. 

ESSEF @ Times Square

WE NEED TEAMS!
Wonderama and ESSEF have teamed up to run a summer tournament like no other! Get ready because you’ll be playing at Times Square in NYC!

Below is information you may need for field trip authorization.

  • Event Location:
    Father Duffy Square
    7th Ave & W 47th St
    New York, NY 10036

Wonderama Holding LLC (Main Office):
1516 Broadway, Suite 900
New York, NY 10036

Office Phone:
(212) 382-2044

On-Site Event Coordinator (Direct Line):
Chuck Armstrong-(917) 359-0299

The event coordinator will be on site throughout the event under a clearly marked tent in Father Duffy Square and can be reached directly if needed.

When: 8/23; tentative 10:30am to 4pm
Where: Times Square (see above)
What: Smash Solos and Rocket League 3v3

We are hoping to get 100 students involved. A few things about this event are different from other LANs we have done.

  • You need a form for both ESSEF and Wonderama signed to participate. Get them out to players NOW! Here is a folder with the required forms.

  • Players will be representing their school. They need to have an adult present! What this looks like is up to the individual district. Summer events are tough for schools. Is it a field trip? Up to you and how your district wants to treat the event. Players should be wearing school gear and be a scholastic participant.

  • Schools can team up. Have only 2 Rocket League players but know another district that has 1 that can go? Team up! We just want to get as many schools and kids playing games as possible. Just let us know during the registration process.

  • Transportation. Take the train, carpool, or a bus if your school allows. We have been told there is bus parking available and can get you those details. We can recommend parking for cars as well.

  • Let us know if you plan on attending with your school. No hard commitment, just that you want to stay involved and will try and get your school involved.

ESSEF Alumni Association

As our graduating seniors get ready to cross the stage, let’s ensure their esports journey continues. We are excited to launch the ESSEF Alumni Network — a new hub designed to help our former players stay connected and give back to the programs that shaped them. By uniting our graduates, this network will allow alumni to mentor current competitors, support new educational opportunities, and champion the growth of scholastic esports across New York State. Please pass this invite along to your seniors as they graduate!

Alumni Discord server: https://discord.gg/bMBt9hHUSg

ESSEF Alumni Association Google Form (if they’re not on Discord): https://forms.gle/HHXMpJDv5EM1F6wHA