BOSTON -- In several communities around Boston, kids are spending time after school learning a sport not often played in middle schools in the inner city.

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Children Enjoy Learning Sport

NewsCenter 5's Jim Boyd reported that it's not only the sports they're learning. As we see in Wednesday's Keeping Kids on Track report, they're also picking up some very valuable life lessons.

A group of middle school kids in Chelsea are getting an introduction to lacrosse.

It's MetroLacrosse, operating now in eight communities in Boston, Chelsea and Cambridge.

"It feels great. It's a really fun time. It feels like you're really doing something that you really want to do," MetroLacrosse player Iesha said.

It's clearly not an academic after-school program, but it's designed to teach the kids more than how to be good at a sport.

"We're not teaching ABCs. We're not teaching reading writing arithmetic. We're teaching the foundation for success," MetroLacrosse Executive Director Zachary Lehman said.

Before and after practices, the kids and coaches have discussions that touch on life lessons.

MetroLacrosse tries to teach some important lessons.

"(We teach) participation, communication, teamwork, sportsmanship, and the kids really respond to that, and it really shows in their playing," MetroLacrosse coach Marcy Paul said.

The players said that they are learning a lot through MetroLacrosse.

"Mostly how to work together and to solve differences quickly," MetroLacrosse player Shylina said.

"I write about lacrosse. I actually wrote about lacrosse on my MCAS," MetroLacrosse player Latoya said.

The program also gives volunteer teacher and coach Kate Wannamaker a different perspective on some of her students.

"It's nice to see them in a different environment. I get to see a different side of their personality and kids who aren't maybe so successful in the classroom some of them really get to shine out here," she said.

According to Lehman, it's all part of giving to the kids and to their communities.

"It's the best investment you can make in kids. If kids are out playing they can't be out doing the things we don't want them to do," Lehman said.

WCVB-TV's Keeping Kids on Track campaign has just been singled out by one of broadcastings' most prestigious national competitions. It has won the Service to America Award. Presented by the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation.