NORWICH — Norwich Free Academy’s competitive gaming program has more than doubled its roster in its second year, with a dedicated space serving both team activities and academic work, according to a November 2 Norwich Bulletin report.
The newspaper reports that participation grew from nine students to 21 after a debut season that included a fourth-place finish in a CIAC Super Smash Brothers tournament. Its account says the next season begins in January; the growth figures are not new match results.
NFA’s own September 6 notice identifies the room as The Grid, located at the back of the library, and names Tyler Martin as coach. It lists Rocket League, Super Smash Brothers, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Marvel Rivals and Street Fighter 6 among the games offered.
School officials told the Bulletin that donations designated for esports helped get the program underway in early 2026. They described an additional social outlet for students, alongside the competitive element.
The equipment also has uses beyond matches. The Bulletin reports that a student is using the computers for a statistics independent study, with video-game development, virtual-reality development and Minecraft Education Edition among planned academic activities.
This report was prepared with AI assistance from the linked reporting and NFA’s program notice. Eastern CT News did not attend a practice or independently verify the current roster. The campus photograph is a school file image; it does not show the esports room.