EVERETT, Wash. - Everett Police have a new weapon in their fight against crime.
Soccer balls.
This week is the first annual Casino Road Futbol Academy. Located in South Everett, the Casino Road neighborhood has long been a haven for criminal activity.
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In a park where a lot of that violence has happened, the City of Everett is holding a soccer camp this week. In between drills, kids get to meet members of the city's police department and other community leaders.
"That is how we can change attitudes," said Manny Garcia, "How we can change behaviors and change the kids."
Garcia came up with idea for the camp. He's a sergeant in Everett's south precinct. He believes the best way to cut down on crime on Casino Road is to break the cycle of violence by "growing" good young citizens.
"These kids are not only going stay away from things they shouldn't be doing, but attract others," said Garcia.
Kids will become better soccer players by attending the camp, but the hope is they'll also become better people.
The camp runs until Friday.
The Casino Road Futbol Academy is scheduled from June 22 to June 26, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Walter Hall Park, 1226 West Casino Road in Everett. Please contact Everett Police Sgt. Manuel Garcia at 425-359-8603 for costs and sign-up information.
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