Amateur Sports

Lawncrest resident Rick Heydt is entering his 11th year coaching in the Fox Chase Roller Hockey league. He currently coaches the Under-16 team, but he previously directed the Under-10 and Under-8 teams as well. Although Heydt [continue reading…]

When people think of Philadelphia boxing gyms, a family environment is probably the last thing that comes to mind. At Philly’s Next Champ gym at 1810 Grant Ave. in Bustleton, families train together. “We have whole [continue reading…]

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, domestic violence accounts for 15 percent of all violent crime in the United States. Incidents can be found in most, if not all, communities across the country. [continue reading…]

Growing up in South Philadelphia, Larry Del Spechio spent a lot of time around bocce courts. He hardly played, though. “When we were young, we couldn’t play because the old guys didn’t want you to,” [continue reading…]

The youths of Philadelphia are growing up in dangerous times. The city’s 2013 Youth Violence Prevention Plan states that, “Over the past six years, 5,051 young Philadelphians ages 14 to 24 have been shot or killed.” The [continue reading…]

Jason Helmer’s passion for martial arts came from an unusual place. “I was in high school working and one of the mailmen in the neighborhood mentioned karate,” Helmer said. “I was a big Steven Seagal [continue reading…]

Joe Messina loves the art of pitching. Involved in baseball in South Philadelphia for the past quarter-century, Messina has been an assistant coach for the Neumann-Goretti High School baseball team for the past 11 years. [continue reading…]

Anthony Spadaccini spent countless hours as a kid at Barry Playground. Whether it was playing basketball, baseball or football, Barry was a second home for Spadaccini. That still holds true today, as Spadaccini, 46, is [continue reading…]