Esports Gaming Centre to Open on Gunnersbury Avenue

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Valhallan will be for young gamers aged between seven and seventeen

The interior of the new Valhallan centre

August 22, 2023

A new youth esports gaming centre is poised to open on Gunnersbury Avenue next month.

Valhallan is described as the UK’s first such arena and it will be based at 12 Park Parade in the row of shops on the other side of the North Circular Road from Pets at Home.

It will offer young gamers aged seven to seventeen an immersive experience and will be launched with a grand opening event on Saturday 2 with a day of activities, including a virtual address by two-time European Esports Championship gold medallist Emma Rose. Opening the new gaming arena with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2pm will be MP for Ealing Southall Virendra Sharma.

Gamers will play at specially designed stations

Throughout the afternoon, from 2pm to 5pm, the Valhallan team will host gaming advice sessions and mini-competitions. Refreshments will be available for the gamers and bubbly for the parents. There will be a draw for a grand prize including a six-month free membership and a set of top-of-the-range wireless gaming headphones.

Founded in Houston, Texas, there are over a dozen Valhallan arenas in the US and Canada, but this will be the first franchise outside North America.

The two men behind the arena in the UK are childhood friends Dr Amit Sra and Vivek Behl.

Vivek Behl and Dr Amit Sra

Mr Behl, a former teacher and father of two, wants the arena becomes a hub where young people can learn new skills while forming new connections.

He said, “What first attracted me to Valhallan was the brand’s belief that gaming can be a means for creating a community for young people.

“Valhallan provides a place where parents can feel assured that their child is in a safe environment that enables them to succeed, meet new people and establish skills for any future career.”

Medical doctor, certified esports coach and fellow father of two, Dr Sra added, “I noticed a need for an inclusive and engaging space where young gamers can connect. Our overarching aim is to bring a community spirit into play and make our arena a pivotal place where young people can network and socialise while learning invaluable gaming and life skills.”

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