LUDLOW, Mass. — A new esports lab at the Ludlow Boys & Girls Club is giving young gamers a new way to explore their passions through socialization and collaboration.

"We're trying to create an inclusive space where people can come and explore the world of esports gaming together," said STEAM & Teen Programs Coordinator John Regan. "Where we can share our love of video games with these kids and develop a fun and healthy relationship with gaming."

STEAM & Teen Programs Coordinator John Regan said many children have become isolated since the pandemic.

He said online gaming can be difficult for gamers who may feel a large gap in skill among other online players so it's important to have an in-person support group.

"A lot of the times if you're at home playing the games, you're just seeing these amazing players right," Regan said. "You're seeing these sick moves and, 'it's incredible and oh my god I could never do that!' but you don't see the 14,000 times they failed trying to do it. If you're here with other teens you can help each other out."

We spoke with some of the kids from the Boys & Girls Club after school program about how the new esports lab has helped them learn new skills while also having a good time.

"I'm one of the only kids at the club that knows about Madden," said Boys & Girls Club Member Julien Olanoff. "So I have the opportunity to teach kids about what Madden is and what it's about."

"I like playing Rocket League and I like playing games with my friends," said Boys & Girls Club Member Dominic Nascimenito.

"I like that I have one chance to game with my friends because usually I have to do homework," said Boys & Girls Club Member Anthony Matta.

Regan said the esports lab is open once a week, every other week, and is also open to the youth outside of Ludlow as well.

He says while online friendships do have value, having an in-person environment that teaches children how to bond with their peers as well as handle adversity can also be a great help.

"There's something about in-person relationships," he said. "Making friends and learning to work together, and a big part of that is learning how to lose gracefully because you're going to lose and the ability to deal with that upset is just one of the things you can learn at a place like this."

Regan said the club's future goals also involve starting a competitive gaming league with Boys & Girls Clubs across the country.