WEST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY : Grant Awarded for Youth Sports

A program to keep West San Fernando Valley teen-agers out of street gangs by having them pursue athletics has been given a $40,000 federal grant to start leagues for volleyball and basketball.

The Keep Youth Doing Something program already organizes coeducational softball games and weekend social events for young people in Canoga Park, Tarzana and Reseda.

The grant, awarded by the Department of the Interior, will allow the program to expand its services and to pay staff members who now volunteer, said Joy Nuell, press deputy for Councilwoman Joy Picus, who helped secure the funds.

John Perez, recreation director at Lanark Park, said the KYDS program may eventually expand to include educational and vocational training.