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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

by Grace Kennedy photography by Ken Noblezada

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 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

XP League-Lake Norman co-founders Jim MacDonald and Matt Phillips.

Do you know a gamer age 8-15 interested in joining XP League-Lake Norman?

Open houses will begin in August, and the next season starts September 13. Follow @XPLeagueLKN on Facebook to stay updated or register for an open house at www. LKNesports.com.

practice together at the arena one or two times each week, and competitions are held each Saturday with one of the 40 teams throughout the U.S. and Canada that make up the XP League. Parents can watch the competitions in the arena or via livestream so they can be part of the excitement.

In addition to getting them out of the house and into the company of other kids who share their interests, XP League offers coaches who are trained to enhance kids’ skills while emphasizing the importance of nutrition, endurance, and sportsmanship. “We teach them a lot more than just the game,” says Phillips.

That’s not to say the games aren’t a big deal. Global gaming sales reached nearly $180 billion in 2020, according to MarketWatch, and eSports are a growing industry with lucrative career possibilities for skilled players. The National Association of Collegiate eSports claims 151 member schools with varsity eSports programs, including Davidson College and UNC Charlotte.

Opportunities abound

Phillips says the industry offers job opportunities even for those who don’t go pro. There are Shoutcasters (announcers) for eSports events, tournament directors, coordinators, team managers, and more. Then there are the valuable skills honed through gaming that translate into other careers.

“If you watch these kids play, they are learning so much hand-eye coordination, it’s unbelievable,” says Phillips. “That can be very useful for them if they decide to go into the military or follow other career paths that require good coordination.” He adds that XP League players have to use a lot of strategy and think outside the box to succeed in the games they play, which include Overwatch, Fortnite, and Rocket League.

XP League-Lake Norman may be new, but players are already making a splash, and four teams from the current season will represent Lake Norman in the North American Finals, August 7 and 8 at the Raleigh Convention Center.

Step on Up!

Denver company helps canine family members enjoy the water

by Karel Bond Lucander photography by Jon Beyerle

After Jim Perkins received a golden retriever puppy, Katie, for his birthday in 2004, he had a dilemma. Katie loved boating with Jim and his wife, Jennifer—especially swimming in the lake once they anchored. But it was tough pulling her back into the boat afterward, and that got Jim’s wheels spinning. He tried using other dog boat ladders but wasn’t satisfied.