A focus on anti-violence education through soccer at North Philly rec center

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 and education around anti-violence resources and practices.

According to youth.gov , school-age children spend 80% of their waking hours outside of school, and 1 in 5 young people in the U.S. is alone after the school day ends. Studies have shown that after-school sports and activities boosts physical health, supports working families and fosters positive youth development.

“It's really about bringing people together and, along the way, the skills — like the goals and the shooting and all that — will come with it. And they might not even notice it happening, because they'll be having so much fun and meeting new people. So any skill level is welcome and encouraged to come out.”

Makarechi says $25 covers the entire six weeks for the 7- to 12-year-olds. And if people can’t afford that, he says, they just ask that they volunteer their time with the organization instead.

“It just goes back to buying in. And we think if people see The Lighthouse as part of their community, they'll take pride in it,” he said.

Makarechi says The Lighthouse has a number of programs to keep kids engaged.

“We just want the kids to feel like they have an opportunity to learn about different sports, different arts. We also have a STEM program, where they're exposed to different careers in the STEM field, and obviously a bunch of community events.”