GAME ON
Matt Phillips offers assistance to a player in the XP League-Lake Norman.
Rated “E”
for Everyone
XP League-Lake Norman bridges youth sports and video games Teamwork. Resilience. Conditioning. Sportsmanship. These are the things parents hope their children will get out of a youth sports experience like softball, basketball, or baseball. Thanks to XP League-Lake Norman, kids with a passion for video games can now enjoy the benefits of a traditional youth sports program. With 20 years of franchising experience and over five years coaching youth sports, XP League-Lake Norman Commissioner Matt Phillips is excited to open the sports experience to kids who either can’t play traditional sports, or just have a passion for being “gamers.” “All kids are welcome, and we will do whatever it takes to cater to children and make sure they have what they need,” says Denver resident Phillips, who co-founded XP League-Lake Norman with Huntersville resident Jim MacDonald. The brand-new arena at 42
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | JULY 2021
by Grace Kennedy photography by Ken Noblezada
18535-B Old Statesville Road in Cornelius is fully wheelchair accessible, and no experience is necessary to join a team. Phillips, who is Dad to Austin (14), Zac (11) and Sophia (8), has seen how video games help Austin, who has autism, make friends, and express himself. He and Co-Commissioner MacDonald, who is Dad to Alex (11) and Brandon (14), hope this new eSports league offers every child the experience of being part of a team and working together toward a goal.
A different kind of competition The first step to joining a team at XP League-Lake Norman is to attend an open house, where families can tour the arena and learn about the league. Prior to each nine-week season, players are sorted into levels based on their experience and skills, with each level promising competition, teamwork, and fun. Teams
