Esports hobby path project in Espoo
The project develops accessible opportunities for young people to engage in esports in a safe and goal-oriented environment that supports their wellbeing.
The hobby path project launched in August 2025 and continue until 31 July 2026. The project is jointly managed by the Cultural Unit, responsible for implementing the Finnish model for leisure activities in Espoo, and the sports and exercise unit of the City of Espoo. The activities would be implemented with the City of Espoo, schools, clubs, and other esports actors.
The project aims to:
- create conditions for establishing the esports hobby path in Espoo
- provide esports hobbies to Espoo youth for free
- combine a goal-oriented game hobby, exercise and wellbeing
- pave a path for young people from casual gaming to a regular hobby and club activity.
This spring’s free esports hobbies for secondary school pupils
Every activity below is free of charge. All hobbies will take place between 2 February and 30 April 2026. Read more and register for groups in the Hobby Search service of the City of Espoo
- EA FC x Futsal, at Otahalli, on Mondays 15.00-17.00
- Esports group, at Perkkaan koulu, on Mondays 15.30 - 17.00
- Open esports evenings, at Otahalli, on Mondays 16.30-18.30
- Fortnite esports group, online via Discord, on Mondays 17.00–19.00
- Counter-Strike 2 Rento (relaxed) -esports group, at Otahalli, on Tuesdays 16.00–18.00
- Girls gaming group, online via Discord, on Tuesdays 17.00–19.00
- EA FC – Espoo Youth League, at Otahalli, on Tuesdays 17.00–19.00
- Counter-Strike 2 Peluri -esports group, at Otahalli, on Tuesdays 18.00–20.00
- Esports group, at Espoonlahden koulu, on Wednesdays 14.30 - 16.00
- Esports group, at Saarnilaaksion koulu, on Thursdays 15.15–16.45
- Esports hobby, at Suvelan nuorisotila, Thursdays 15.30-17.00
A Guide to Accessible Esports
The guide provides different perspectives and tools for esports coaching, ways to develop facilities and methods and building blocks for a safer and more inclusive environment. The guide intends to expose how different capabilities, life events and individual strengths are a part of the diversity of gaming and the reality of esports.
The guide was created as part of Esports hobby path project in 2026. The authors of the guide are researchers Essi Taino and Pauliina Baltzar.
