Softball Provides an Alternative for Youth

Keep Youth Doing Something (KYDS) is gearing up for two summer softball leagues for 13- to 18-year-olds from low-income families and those at risk of becoming involved in gangs.

Starting next week, games will be held at 7 Friday nights at Reseda Park, 18411 Victory Blvd., with a party afterward, including food and, possibly, dancing until about 10 p.m., said Sandy Kievman, an aide to Los Angeles City Councilwoman Joy Picus. There is no cost to join the league, and most teams practice one night a week in addition to game nights.

“The main idea behind this is to deal with kids who are at risk of gang activity and find something for them to do that is safe and fun, at least one night a week,” Kievman said.

A similar league at Lanark Park, 21816 Lanark St. in Canoga Park, will be accepting players starting in late July, Kievman said. The leagues are scheduled to continue at least through the end of the year, she said.

For more information about Keep Youth Doing Something’s Lanark league, call John Perez, (818) 883-1503; for information on the Reseda Park league, call Mike Davis at (818) 881-3882.