MIAMI -- A national charity is placing 24 coaches in after-school programs to work with underserved youth in South Florida.
    
The coaches will use sports to help 3,000 kids combat youth violence and childhood obesity in impoverished areas including Liberty City, Overtown and Little Haiti.
    
Coach Across America says many of the Miami coaches will be college graduates from the local communities.
    
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 12 percent of Miami-Dade County's high school students attend daily physical-education classes at school.
    
Program organizers say strong coaches and mentors build character and increase the chances for better grades. The program was announced Friday.
    
In addition to Miami, the organization is placing 250 coaches in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and New Orleans.

Associated Press