NextStrat
Esports Louge
Overview
NextStrat Esports Lounge is an after-school program for youth ages 7–17 that blends structured gaming experiences with real-life learning. This initiative helps youth build confidence, develop skills, and prepare for future opportunities in esports, gaming, tech, and beyond.
Client:
City of Stratford
Year:
2024-2027
Category:
Facility Management
/
Marketing
Location:
Stratford, ON
The Challenge
The City of Stratford wanted to create a safe and supportive space for local youth to explore their potential through esports and gaming. They wanted a program that offered mentorship, accessible equipment, and clear pathways toward opportunities in esports, gaming, and technology. The challenge was to design a space that inspired passion, encouraged skill development, and helped youth build brighter futures.
The Solution
We developed NextStrat: a structured after-school esports lounge designed to support youth development through play, education, and community. The program blends gaming skills with real-life learning, pairing gameplay with mentorship, coaching, and career exploration.
Key elements included:
Accessible equipment and gaming setups
Structured learning and skill-building activities
Coaching and mentorship opportunities
Professional guidance from industry experts
A welcoming, inclusive environment for all youth participants
The Result
We aimed to: • Build a safe space for youth to connect and thrive • Encourage skills through coaching and mentorship • Create clear career pathways in gaming, tech, and esports • Bring in industry professionals to educate and inspire Outcomes included: • A fully operational esports lounge designed for youth development • Strong engagement from local youth and families • A unique, future-focused community resource supported by the city • Events focused on career development, skill development, and personal development • Esports growth and development in a region that's actively growing their foundation for the youth of the city.
Client feedback
