When Benny first started he struggled with managing his emotions when he would lose in a match or didn't feel like he had enough time to play. Over the last 2 years, he has grown in confidence and learned how to handle big disappointments without melting down or withdrawing. He is excited when his teammates do well and supportive when they don't. He has learned to back off from "smack" talk and instead chooses to be encouraging when up against a teammate in a scrimmage.

Coming from a non-gamer parent, I was hesitant to join because of my own lack of understanding. It's just a video game, right? Wrong! Going through the parent presentation prior to joining Valhallan was eye-opening. It's not just a video game. It's building social skills, communication skills, friendships, and focus in a way that your child can relate to and enjoy. It's not just going to play a video game for a couple of hours each week. It's learning opportunities for the gamers improve themselves, and not just their gaming skills. I was pleasantly surprised to learn about the training progression that occurs as your child's skill level and age increases.

We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Valhallan. After trying just about every traditional sport, it became clear that our son simply wasn’t interested in that world, but gaming is where he truly shines. Valhallan gave him a place where that passion is not only accepted, but encouraged in a positive, structured, and team-focused environment.

Lachlan's teachers always described him as kind and helpful but before starting Valhallan Lachlan was always described as quiet and reserved. He had a few friends, but struggled with confidence. After starting Valhallan we saw Lachlan's communication skills grow significantly, he engaged with others in his classroom and his teachers started to call him a leader. At home we have seen his negotiation skills, sense of responsibility, and confidence to do all different tasks independently grow. It has been amazing to see him change from reserved to a confident and self-aware child.

I realized that Valhallan, and the coaches supporting the program, made a bigger impact on Brady when he expressed he would like to be a coach himself someday. Having exposure to other young men, who are turning a passion into a job, allowed Brady to see a future for himself. Valhallan has been supportive of Brady's coaching interest and has allowed him to mentor along side some of the great coaches, setting him up to have a successful first job and potentially shape his post-high school choices.