Preventing youth violence in Philadelphia takes center stage at town hall for coaches, leaders, advocates
Organizers said the event was designed to go beyond presentations, giving attendees a chance to collaborate, network and share ideas. Participants identified barriers facing youth organizations — including limited funding, a need for more training, and gaps in support for young people transitioning into adulthood. Attendees also used their phones to vote on which solutions could have the most impact in the next six months.
Police Athletic League Executive Director Erica Vanstone said that kind of feedback is critical.
“We said, let’s just sit down and figure out how we can collaborate around what our pressing needs are, what the biggest problems are, and how we could move forward together,” Vanstone said.
Coaches and program leaders described how challenges in the community often follow young people onto the field.
“We know that so many teenagers now are getting caught up in so much mishap out in the streets,” said Marc Bredell, a coach with the City Youth Association Gators. “So just changing the culture of that age group in the city.”
Others emphasized the importance of addressing those issues beyond athletics.