Anti-violence education through soccer in North Philly [Video]

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Now that kids are getting back to the classroom, many working parents are looking for programs after school that will help keep them from wandering the streets or sitting home alone. A Philadelphia nonprofit, founded in 1893, is focusing on recreation over violence for kids ages 7-12 this fall.

The Lighthouse in North Philly is the city’s oldest nonprofit. Their fall soccer program, starting next month, focuses on not only the sport but also character building. Kids ages 7-12 in the city are eligible. The program is funded through anti-violence grants.

“The violence rates are extremely high. The dropout rates are very high. So having a safe space where not only the kids but the parents can come together isn’t as common to find as you’d hope, honestly, so that’s essentially what we’re trying to do,” said Julian Makarechi, director of sports and recreation.

The program provides the families with support …