Bradford youth hangout, The Hub held a Mario Kart tournament Saturday night causing for some intense competition among the group of teens.
The Hub recently received a free TV courtesy of Peter’s No Frills, which was set up at the back of the room for the players to practice their gaming skills on.
There were 12 players split into two teams competing in a bracket style tournament with the winner taking home a $25 Tim Horton’s giftcard.
The Hub is an extension of Cross Trainers Canada, a Christian ministry and registered charity working with local churches to provide the community with programs and events at a low-cost.
The centre is designed for youth ages 11-18, providing a safe space to connect, hangout and participate in recreational activities. The cozy room has a casual, friend's basement vibe and is located at 31 Frederick St.
Inside there are generously donated items like foosball tables, pool tables, board games, ping pong and video games. There is even a snack bar set up at the back of the room.
Clarence Madden is the Assistant Youth Director who has been active with The Hub for the past 10 years. He helped organize Saturday night's tournament. He says The Hub is a great space for all teens in Bradford to come hang out, with drop-ins every Friday and Saturday evening.
"We want to do events for all youth in Bradford because there's not much for kids to do here," he noted. He noted that while the centre is faith based, anyone is welcome to attend.
"We want a place where kids can be comfortable, hang out and have a good time," he added.
Becki Leyenaar is the Youth Director who has been with Cross Trainers Canada for the past two years. She was the main organizer for the Mario Kart tournament, noting that they previously held a Nintendo Smash Bros. tournament in November which was a great success, and wanted to host another similar event.
"We are really grateful to have the facility and resources to be able to do this," she said. All of of the equipment and furniture at The Hub is donated by local businesses and organizations within the community, like one of the Nintendo Switch gaming systems, graciously donated by a group of women at a church in Newmarket last year.
One of the teens playing in the tournament, Grade 11 Bradford District High School student Lily, says she has been coming to the centre since she was in Grade 7. She has made many of her close friends at the centre, and enjoys coming to the drop-ins on the weekend and even at the high school where The Hub has a drop-in room set up for teens to socialize.
"We're all like family," she said.
The Hub is open to all youth in Bradford and is open Friday and Saturday nights from 6 - 10 p.m.
To learn more about The Hub and Cross Trainers Canada, check out their website here.
