NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Every Friday this summer, dozens of teens and young adults flock to this gym for a night of hoops.
Lowering youth violence in Newport News is no game. Night Nets were born when city leaders were challenged to reduce the numbers during the summer.
“A lot of the young people, they need an outlet. So we wanted to provide an outlet that would be attractive to them,” Acting Assistant City Manager David Freeman said.
Organizers like Freeman hope the impacts will go far beyond the court.
“We stood up two programs that run almost like on book ends of the city," Freeman said.
Games take place at Denbigh Community Center and the other at Achievable Dream Tennis Center.
The program allows players 12 to 25 to participate in semi-organized pick-up basketball. Barbers also volunteer their time to give free cuts.
Players and attendees can get free shirts and food, and participate in e-sports and mental health resources. Organizations like Quality of Life Services provide free mental health counseling for both kids and adults.
“This has been a great opportunity for them to see each other outside of the neighborhood and gain valuable relationships and learn how to communicate effectively with each other,” CEO Duene Hickman said.
This is the program’s first year. But in its rookie season city leaders say it’s been successful and are aiming to bring it back next year.
Night Nets are open from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for ages 12-17, 18 and up can come from 8 to 11.