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In Philly neighborhood known for drug crime, soccer club offers kids hope

NPR | By Brian Mann

Published July 6, 2026 at 3:17 AM CDT

The Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia has long drawn national attention as one of America's biggest open-air criminal drug markets. Amid the crime and poverty, activists have also created a thriving soccer culture, where World Cup passion is fierce.

Brian Mann

Brian Mann is NPR's first national addiction correspondent. He also covers breaking news in the U.S. and around the world.

See stories by Brian Mann