An Introduction to Esports (Ages 8-14)

An Introduction to Esports runs at the Ulster Museum on Saturday 24 October, a session for 8-to-14-year-olds that takes a proper look at competitive gaming. It's presented by KIPPIE as part of the Cinemagic Festival 2026, and it's designed to get young people thinking about what goes on behind the screen.

The session walks through the world of esports, starting with first-person shooters and moving on to what actually makes a great teammate. It covers the training routines and healthy habits professional players stick to, and there are aim-training games to test reflexes. The whole thing frames gaming as a gateway to creativity, STEM and digital skills, and to future careers, rather than just something to do in your spare time.

It's one part of the 37th Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People, a month-long programme of screenings, industry talks, workshops and hands-on learning experiences across Belfast venues. The festival focuses on short-form storytelling for young audiences, alongside work by emerging local filmmakers.

This session is at the Ulster Museum's Learning Zone in the Botanic Gardens (BT9 5AB), starting at 3:00pm and finishing by 4:30pm, so it's 90 minutes in total. Tickets are £15 plus a £1.50 booking fee.