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Pokémon TCG Educational Program 'Pokémon Club' Expands to Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Expanding to after-school facilities following libraries and schools... Partnering with an organization of about 5,500 clubs serving 4 million youth annually

김태희 기자 · Published Nov 11, 2026, 11:08 KST · 3 min read
Photo: The Pokémon Company International

The Pokémon Company International (TPCi) announced on Nov. 10 (local time) that it is expanding its educational program 'Pokémon Club,' which utilizes the Pokémon Trading Card Game, in partnership with the U.S. youth organization Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). According to the press release, BGCA operates approximately 5,500 local clubs and serves over 4 million children and teens annually. The reach has expanded to after-school facilities following libraries and schools.

What Does It Teach Through Card Games?

TPCi's press release introduces Pokémon Club as a program developed in 2025. It aims to help children and youth, regardless of skill level, build foundational life skills through the Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon-themed activities. The goals cited include strategic thinking, social-emotional learning, and peer friendships.

BGCA's informational page provided more specific details. The target audience is ages 5–18, and participating clubs receive a 'Pokémon Club Kit' containing materials and activities. Activities consist of deck-building, puzzle-solving, and cooperative play, while also addressing communication, teamwork, and empathy. It stated that the focus is on casual play and learning rather than competitive tournament play. Eligible clubs that choose to participate can apply, and club leaders submit applications via BGCA's internal portal. Detailed kit contents and application deadlines were not disclosed in either document.

Libraries, Schools, and Now After-School Facilities

The official Pokémon website explained that the program had previously operated exclusively through the American Library Association (ALA) and ISTE in the United States and Canada. The timeline confirmed through announcements from each organization is as follows:

| Date | Partner Organization | Venue | Confirmed Details | |---|---|---|---| | October 7, 2025 | AASL & ALSC under ALA | School libraries & public libraries | For ages 5–14, for members in the U.S., Canada, and military-affiliated schools, kits provided free of charge | | August 5, 2026 | ISTE+ASCD | Schools | Provided as a free member benefit to U.S. and Canadian members, applications opened on the announcement date | | November 10, 2026 | BGCA | Local clubs (after-school facilities) | For ages 5–18, kits provided to participating clubs |

The ALA information page noted that the kit includes activity materials for learning how to play, decorations, and merchandise, and that operators do not pay any costs. In all three channels, applications are submitted by institutional members or operators rather than individuals.

Official Statements

Barry Sams, Vice President of Game Development and Community Engagement at TPCi, stated in the press release, "Some of the most meaningful learning happens when kids gather to play." Chad Hartman, National Vice President of Corporate Partnerships & Engagement at BGCA, said, "Play can be a powerful way for youth to build skills, foster friendships and discover the value of teamwork."

In South Korea

This announcement applies to BGCA clubs in the United States and U.S. territories. The official operating regions for Pokémon Club confirmed across official materials are the United States (including U.S. territories) and Canada, with the ALA channel also including military-affiliated schools. It was not confirmed in the reviewed materials whether a program under the same name is operating or scheduled to be introduced in South Korea. It was also not confirmed whether kits for schools and libraries using the Korean version of the Pokémon Trading Card Game exist.

Sources

This article was written with the help of AI based on public sources. Responsible: 김태희 기자 AI principles →

This article was machine-translated from Korean with AI. Original →

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