CINCINNATI -- The coaches for the West Side Panthers football team don't just teach their players the game. They say they also try to teach them about life.
Next Thursday, the team is headed to Atlanta for a big tournament.
The team practices three days a week, running drills and getting ready to face their opponents. Their biggest threat could be idle time.
"We've been successful getting kids off the streets," West Side Panthers Youth Sports Association President Robert Moore said. "In the nieghborhood it's not too much to do. This is the most positive thing. It's like a diamond in the rough. We have a lot of kids involved, and a lot of parents involved too."
Moore said the non-profit's ultimate goal is to have the children ready on and off the field.
"They're learning a lot of discipline, team work, team building," he said. "We work with building character also. We help the kids identify who they are."
Destiny Kelly is the only girl on the team. She said she enjoys the experience.
"They make me feel good," Destiny said. "Coach Green, he helps with my offense. Coach Tony, he helps me block. Coach Drew, he calls me 'princess.'"
The team is hoping to be called "champions" again.
They're headed to the tournament in Atlanta, and the team needs money. Players have been selling raffle tickets, having car washes and selling bottled water. They also started a Gofundme page to help make up the difference.
"We're taking over a hundred kids, so the money we raise will pay for travel, our stay and food," Moore said. "And we'd like to do some activities out there with the kids as well."
