Esports Youth Club: The UK Youth Initiative That Inspired Prince William’s Support

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Prince William’s In the heart of South London, a powerful grassroots movement is transforming the way young people connect, grow, and find purpose—through the power of gaming. The Esports Youth Club (EYC), co-founded by Lewis Kay alongside Finan Trethewey and Mark Bird, has gone from a post-lockdown dream to one of the UK’s most inspiring youth-led initiatives, capturing the attention of none other than Prince William himself.

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Esports Youth Club From Brixton’s Estates to National Headlines

In 2021, while working as a housing officer in Tulse Hill—an area plagued by gang violence—Lewis Kay saw firsthand how vulnerable many young people were to social issues and isolation. Amid the gloom, he envisioned something different: a community-based space where youth could bond, build confidence, and enjoy gaming in a safe, structured environment.

“I loved the estate and the community,” Kay recalls. “I’ve always been a gamer myself, and I knew how powerful video games could be for connection and engagement.”

Drawing from his own experiences at youth clubs and his passion for esports, he helped launch the Esports Youth Club—an initiative designed to bring free daily gaming sessions, tournaments, and inclusive spaces to underserved communities. It began modestly with borrowed consoles and small grants but rapidly gained traction thanks to its authenticity and impact.

What Makes Esports Youth Club Different?

Unlike traditional youth programs, EYC integrates competitive and casual gaming with hot meals, mentorship, and emotional support. It’s “a youth club first,” Kay insists, “with esports as the main activity.”

The club now operates in West Norwood, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark, and Clapham, running seven weekly events. Partnerships with organizations like All Girls Allowed have led to tailored programs like “Power Play,” which creates inclusive gaming experiences for girls aged 11 to 18.

Youth workers, hub managers, and volunteers—many of whom are part-time or freelance—fuel the club’s mission, offering guidance and support beyond just gameplay.

Royal Recognition: Prince William’s Pays a Visit

In a milestone moment for the club, Prince William visited EYC’s sessions at Mentivity House in Southwark, where he joined young people for a few rounds of Mario Kart and FC, playing as his beloved Aston Villa. The visit wasn’t just ceremonial—it was transformative.

After witnessing the initiative in action, Prince William expressed a desire to see similar programs rolled out across the UK. His words weren’t just praise; they were a call to action, potentially paving the way for nationwide expansion.

Arsenal footballer Reiss Nelson and The Apprentice winner Tim Campbell also visited, reinforcing the idea that the world of sports, entrepreneurship, and royalty can align with grassroots gaming to make a real difference.

Building the Future: A Permanent Space, National Expansion, and Professional Play

Looking ahead, the Esports Youth Club has several ambitious goals:

• Permanent Headquarters: Thanks to Lambeth Council, the club now has a new space in Clapham, which they aim to transform into a flagship hub—offering free access, training, and perhaps even a future home for an EYC esports team.
• Nationwide Presence: Inspired by the royal endorsement, EYC hopes to partner with local organizations in other cities to train staff, build infrastructure, and bring the model to new communities.
• Competitive Aspirations: A dream shared by Kay is to one day see a dedicated team of EYC players compete in a major tournament—potentially even traveling the UK to represent their club on a national stage.

However, challenges remain. Equipment is expensive, and the team frequently receives requests they can’t fulfill due to limited resources. Kay hopes corporate sponsors, like Sony, will step up to provide essential hardware to keep the momentum going.

Corporate Support and Community Collaborations

So far, EYC has partnered with major players like Fnatic, HyperX, and 2K, the latter of which helped transform a railway arch into a full-fledged gaming venue in 2022. The club has hosted tournaments like the “EYC Cup” with the Met Police, drawing talent from 13 different youth clubs across London.

These experiences provide more than just fun—they offer inspiration, career pathways, and a sense of belonging.

“It’s about uplifting,” Kay explains. “We want to give these young people a reason to believe in their potential and their place in the world.”

What’s Next?

With plans to register as a formal charity and a steady rise in recognition, Esports Youth Club is becoming a model of what community-driven, gaming-powered outreach can achieve. It blends the worlds of technology, education, entertainment, and empathy in ways few organizations have managed.

And if Prince William’s endorsement is any indication, the sky is the limit. Maybe next time, even King Charles might pick up a controller.

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