Barry Chin/Globe Staff

CHAMPS director/New Mission High School girls' varsity basketball head coach Brianna Forde at the team's preliminary meeting.

Barry Chin/Globe Staff

Forde says youth sports basically saved her life, paving her way to college and out of a neighborhood that was plagued by poverty, drugs, and gang activity.

The Boston Globe

Three members of the Pop Warner football team, the Boston Raiders, lined up in formation during football practice in Dorchester.

The Boston Globe

Volunteer coach Ray Vega hiked the ball during the Boston Raiders football practice in Dorchester.

The Boston Globe

Volunteer coach Rashad Wilson explained an offensive play during the Boston Raiders football practice.

The Boston Globe

Vega gave instructions during the practice.

The Boston Globe

Vega, of Dorchester, recently completed his fifth year of coaching Pop Warner.