By: Maria-Paula

The city of Newport News has been awarded $750,000 in federal Community Project Funding to enhance its youth violence prevention initiatives through expanding Friday Night Nets program, a community-based effort that leverages sports, mentorship, and positive engagement to help steer young people away from crime and violence.

The funding was formally presented by U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D–Va.) during a check presentation held on July 31 at the An Achievable Dream Tennis Center, where officials, community stakeholders, and program participants gathered to recognize the investment in local youth development.

Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones joined Scott in acknowledging the program’s impact and reaffirming the city’s commitment to providing safe environments and meaningful opportunities for young people.

Friday Night Nets, sponsored by the city of Newport News and Newport News Parks & Recreation, has experienced significant growth, with student participation nearly doubling since its launch in 2024. The program provides basketball activities on Friday evenings while connecting participants with law enforcement officers, mentors, educators, and community organizations in a structured, supportive setting designed to build trust and promote personal development.

In addition to athletic programming, the initiative emphasizes life skills development, leadership training, conflict resolution, and responsible decision-making. Research consistently demonstrates that prevention and early intervention programs can substantially reduce youth involvement in violence and the criminal justice system by offering constructive alternatives during high-risk periods.

The program is part of Youth Transforming Hearts, Renewing Investment, Valuing Empowerment, Youth THRIVE, a citywide initiative dedicated to ensuring that every young person in Newport News has access to opportunities that support success, safety, and personal growth. Youth THRIVE brings together city agencies, schools, law enforcement, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to address the root causes of youth violence while investing in education, recreation, mental health services, and family engagement.

Scott, a longstanding advocate for violence prevention through education and community investment, has consistently supported initiatives aimed at addressing violence before it occurs. The federal funding will enable Friday Night Nets to expand its reach, strengthen programming, and serve hundreds of additional young people across Newport News.

City officials note that this investment reflects a broader strategy prioritizing prevention over response, underscoring the belief that strong communities are built by creating pathways to opportunity rather than reacting solely after challenges arise.

As communities nationwide continue to seek effective approaches to reducing youth violence, Newport News leaders hope Friday Night Nets will serve as a model for how sports, mentorship, and community partnerships can contribute to safer neighborhoods and improved outcomes for the next generation.