Affinity Esports

Our Brand Video is HERE! So much went into this to make it possible. SO many people sacrificed to make this everything it is. We are beyond words and hope you enjoy learning about Affinity Esports. Big shoutout to our Affinity Esports Team: Joe S., Kate Petersen, Cornelius Dunn, Justin Morin, and Nate W. for supporting the video and being available during and around classes and programs to capture these shots. Thank you to our families and community members who played a massive role by allowing us to capture these moments. Unbelievable capture and edit by the team at Variation Visuals LLC and Joshua Cyr for his leadership and patience in guiding and showcasing our organization, people, and community across three days of shooting and many, days of editing! You have told our story to perfection ??! --- Our mission is to increase awareness and acceptance of esports at the community level and provide access to happier and healthier gaming experiences for everyone in Connecticut State. We achieve this through structured seasonal programs, including after-school classes, summer camps, club teams, and community game nights. Our goal is to develop well-rounded individuals who are passionate about game development, content creation, and competitive play. Our Team of experienced Coaches take a guided approach with families to reduce stress, stigmas, and fear around gaming. They emphasize moderation and balance across everything, while encouraging physical activity, socialization, and skill development that goes well beyond the screen. This structured, benefit-driven approach, paired with strong adult mentors, aligns esports with traditionally accepted activities, like sports, music, and dance. But it all comes down to community and ours is amazing. We have gamers of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs. We have girl gamers. Gamers on the autism spectrum. And so many uniquely beautiful people that have the safe space to be themselves. That has made a world of difference in their lives. This community. Our community… is for everyone. Take family game night for example, where we have seen three generations join forces over a game. It’s this cross-generational play that unifies us. Do not discount the value of gaming and esports in your child’s world. Make that world yours. Do the research. Go on the journey with them. What more could you ask for than the opportunity to understand and participate in your child’s passion while helping make their dream a reality? We invite you to swing by for a visit and see what makes our community so special. - Emily & Mark Kilpatrick, Founders #ctesports #connecticutesports #ctgamers #connecticutgamers #esports #gamers #gaming #connecticut #ct #visitwesternct #visitct #ctparents #connecticutparents #newtownct #newtownmoms #bethelct #brookfieldct #monroect #trumbullct #southburyct #southburyctmoms #youthesports #youthgaming #esportsedu #youthempowerment #recreation #parksandrec #parksandrecreation

the*gamehers Awards voting is still open. I would greatly appreciate your vote for one or both categories. Voting takes place in the*gamehers app and ends on 2/20. Thanks in advance for your support. ?????? bit.ly/votetghawards

I serve an amazing community of awesome people! Thank you for the love Affinity Esports. It is a pleasure to be honored alongside these incredible women.

Honored and Grateful: Community Champions Award Nomination I’ve always believed in the power of gaming to bring people together, create friendships, and foster a sense of belonging. That’s why I’m incredibly honored to be nominated for the*gamehers Community Champions Award—not just for myself, but as an opportunity to highlight the work we’re doing at Affinity Esports with the Young Adult Game Club. This program, run in partnership with the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, is all about using gaming to build community, promote socialization, and encourage healthy gaming habits. It’s a space where young adults who love gaming—but may struggle with isolation—can connect, grow, and find their people. If you'd like to see this amazing program in action, please check out this video intro by the amazing Joshua Cyr at Variation Visuals: https://lnkd.in/exBDs7qr If you believe in the power of gaming to create positive change, I’d love your support! You can vote for me using the link below, and more importantly, check out the video to learn more about the program and its impact. Thank you to everyone who has supported this work—I’m just grateful to be part of it. #GamingForGood #CommunityChampions #EsportsForEveryone #TheGameHers

?? I’m incredibly honored to have been nominated for these prestigious awards from the*gamehers: Advocates for Representation, Community Champions, Esports Excellence, Impact Through Education, and Trailblazers in Gaming. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who thought of me for these nominations! Your support truly means the world. I’m also thrilled to be alongside some incredible women in the industry. A huge shoutout to Kate Petersen, Kaohom Boonyalai, and Julie Mavrogeorge from Affinity Esports—all of whom continue to inspire, lead, and break barriers in gaming and esports. The journey toward a more inclusive and dynamic industry doesn’t stop here. I encourage you all to cast your votes for not just me, but for these amazing women who are making waves and shaping the future. ??? Let’s continue to elevate the voices and contributions of women in esports and gaming—together, we’re making history!

We’re beyond proud to share that four incredible members of the Affinity Esports team and board of directors have been nominated for the*gamehers 2025 Awards! ?? Their passion, leadership, and dedication in gaming are truly inspiring, and we’re excited to see them recognized for their hard work. Emily Kilpatrick – Nominated for: ? Advocates for Representation ? Community Champions ? Esports Excellence ? Impact Through Education ? TrailblazeHERs in Gaming Kate Petersen – Nominated for: ? Community Champions Kaohom Boonyalai – Nominated for: ? Community Champions Julie Mavrogeorge – Nominated for: ? Esports Excellence ? InnovateHERs of Gameplay Now, they need your support! ?? Follow the instructions in the image to cast your vote and help recognize the amazing work they do in esports and gaming every day. #thegamehers #WomenInGaming #Esports #WomeninEsports #EsportsEducation #CTEsports #EsportsEDU #ConnecticutEsports

I’m honored to be nominated for the Community Champions award in the*gamehers 2025 Awards! ?? Although my main role at Affinity Esports is the Director of Marketing & Communications, the most rewarding part of my journey has been coaching and mentoring our youth Minecraft Bedwars team. Since I started as an intern in Fall 2023, I’ve watched our esports teams grow into tight-knit groups that uplift and support each other—more like families than just teams. Seeing that sense of community grow has been an incredible experience for me! Big thanks to Mark Kilpatrick, Emily Kilpatrick, and Kate Petersen for being amazing mentors for me to look up to! If you’d like to support me and other nominees from Affinity Esports, including Emily Kilpatrick, Kate Petersen, and Julie Mavrogeorge, follow the instructions in the image to vote! ?? ?? Join the*gamehers here: https://tgh.app/

In a recent LinkedIn Article, we talked about the idea of "Building Superstar Humans." And it’s true—that’s what we strive for. But at Affinity Esports, we’re just one piece of a much bigger picture. Our players thrive when home, school, and other activities come together to provide structure, support, and opportunity. When that mix is just right, something incredible happens—a spark. We want our kids to feel as great as they are and to feel no different than the football, theater, or singing star. Thanks to Joshua Cyr and Variation Visuals, we’ve been able to capture that spark and showcase just how special this community has become. If you haven’t had a chance to read the article or watch our Fall 2024 Highlight Reel, now’s the time! ?? Watch now and see our six teams and 20+ competitors in action! Read Full Article - https://lnkd.in/e-Y_VKj7 #BuildingSuperstarHumans #EsportsEDU #AffinityEsports #CompetitiveGaming #ConnecticutEsports #CT #Esports #YouthEsports #GamingIndustry #EsportsIndustry

?? Introducing: Matt Turner, Member of Affinity Esports' Board of Directors ?? Matthew Turner is the Group Director, Head of Digital Transformation at LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group), bringing over 20 years of experience in digital leadership across banking, financial services, media, and tech. Before LSEG, he led digital strategy at HSBC UK, overseeing websites, online banking, and mobile apps. But beyond his impressive career, Matt is a lifelong gamer whose journey started with The Legend of Zelda. These days, he’s all about NBA2K, Valorant, and Marvel Rivals. Off-screen, he’s a runner, fantasy sports fanatic, and a (slowly improving) DJ. Fun Facts About Matt:? ?? Favorite Video Game: The Legend of Zelda ?? First Console: Atari 2600 ?? Favorite Movie: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse ?? Favorite Food: Pizza ?? Favorite Hobby: Fantasy Sports #Esports #EsportsEDU #EsportsEducation #CTEsports #ConnecticutEsports

?? Introducing: Dr. Roger Caramanica, Co-Chairman of Affinity Esports' Board of Directors ?? Roger Caramanica, Ph.D. is a seasoned educator and organizational development expert with a PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Grand Canyon University. He’s the Program Chair for Gaming & Esports Management at Post University and the owner of FirstPerson, a coaching and consulting firm. His expertise spans organizational development, psychology, and talent management, making him a powerhouse in the world of esports education and leadership! With experience as an adjunct professor at Mercy College and Central Connecticut State University—plus a past role as VP of Organizational Development at LightBox—Dr. Caramanica brings unparalleled knowledge and passion to Affinity Esports. Fun Facts About Roger: ?? Favorite Video Game: Minecraft ?? First Console: Atari 2600 ?? Favorite Movie: Princess Bride ?? Favorite Food: Cookies ?? Favorite Hobby: Beyond Video Games, Reading #Esports #EsportsEDU #CTEsports #ConnecticutEsports #PostUniversity #CollegiateEsports