Childhood friends turned entrepreneurs Dr Amit Sra and Vivek Behl are thrilled to announce the grand opening of Valhallan on Saturday 2nd September – the community’s premier youth esports gaming centre.
Valhallan’s first UK arena, based at 12 Park Parade on Gunnersbury Avenue, is poised to be a transformative space offering young gamers aged seven to 17 an immersive experience balancing education and competition, complemented by vital life skills including sportsmanship and teamwork. Vivek Behl, a former teacher and devoted father of two, will leverage his educational background to ensure the arena becomes a hub where young people can learn new skills while forming new connections with like-minded peers.
“What first attracted me to Valhallan was the brand’s belief that gaming can be a means for creating a community for young people,” said Behl. “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.”
As a medical doctor, certified esports coach and fellow father of two, Sra recognised the vital role that Valhallan’s facilities play in connecting young people: “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.”
Drawing from their educational and medical backgrounds, Sra and Behl see Valhallan as an opportunity to empower young people in the community, dismantle stereotypes surrounding gamers and transform Valhallan into a dynamic social space accessible to all – regardless of background.
The grand opening event promises to be an action-packed day full of exciting 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. During his time in Parliament, he has served as a member of the Health Select Committee for five years, the Joint Committee on Human Rights for seven years and continues to be a long-serving member of the International Development Select Committee.
Throughout the afternoon, from 2pm to 5pm, the Valhallan team will host gaming advice sessions and mini-competitions, affording attendees the flexibility to join at their preferred time. Refreshments will be available for the gamers and bubbly for the parents. An exciting opportunity awaits one lucky participant, as the team plans to draw a winner for a grand prize including a six-month free membership and a set of top-of-the-range wireless gaming headphones.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming young gamers and their families to join us on this momentous occasion and be part of the launch of our unique space that seeks to empower, educate and unite young people through the world of esports,” said Behl. “With captivating activities, enticing prizes and a valuable talk from Emma, the launch event looks set to be an absolute blast!”
