It’s a tale so common in today’s age, the kids love gaming, and the parents wished they were doing something more productive. However, we’re now in a world where gaming actually is productive, and there are endless opportunities for those who have a love for it. After several parents saw a need for more resources for those who have kids looking to further their opportunities in esports, Shae Williams and David Herzog co-founded the Coalition of Parents in Esports (COPE).

In this episode of All In With Esports, Lewis is joined by Shae and Chris Spikoski, the Managing Director of COPE. They share why they’re so passionate about providing these resources and creating more opportunities for kids in gaming, and why COPE is so important.

You can find out more about COPE by visiting: https://cope.gg/about-cope

Connect with COPE on Twitter: https://twitter.com/COPEgg

Connect with Chris on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CSpikoski

Connect with Shae on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Shaemmon

Full Episode Breakdown:

3:10 – What COPE is and why it’s so important for parents to have this resource for support

5:16 – Why Shae was extra excited about the NCAA Men’s Basketball Finals this year.

7:24 – How Chris saw potential in his son’s love of gaming, and what he decided to do about it.

11:11 – Shae talks about how gaming was actually a fun time with the family to have some down time, and why they saw benefits in screen time.

13:01 – Why gaming isn’t such a bad thing, but actually an educational too, and why parents should not be so against it.

15:36 – What esports could do for kids who are autistic or other special needs, and helping them to find a space where they’re included.

18:09 – What was the original focus of COPE? Shae shares why they thought it was so important to create this resource for parents.

21:14 – Some of the questions kids are asking about their parents, and how they can get them more on board with esports and gaming, plus why it’s so important to help the kids feel safe in the community.

24:33 – How many young pros are in America and how has COVID help to excel those numbers?

27:25 – Sanity checks and help for parents.

30:38 – Why Shae started homeschooling her kid and what got her so excited about esports and gaming.

34:01 – The crazy insight on a day and a life of a gamer, and why Shae’s son had to share his story.

36:37 – Why getting better internet is important for the gamers.