Vancouver inner-city elementary school kids took a kick at youth crime at the Annual VPD Police Athletic League (PAL) and Beat Enforcement Team Soccer Tournament, Wednesday.

Over 260 kids laced up their cleats to compete in a round-robin soccer tournament hosted by police. Its purpose is to prevent youth crime by promoting and teaching respect, positive self-image and to enhance self-esteem and motivation.

"If we can have an influence on youth at an early age hopefully it will serve as a deterrent measure that has an impact on these kids and prevents them from going into a life of crime later on in life," said Police Sergeant Kal Dosanjh.

The program started after police noticed youth in the Downtown Eastside engaging in the drug market and becoming addicted to drugs, said Dosanjh.

Every year the program grows, with more and more schools joining. This year 20 schools kicked off in the tournament, with the over 40 volunteers helping to organize the competition.

"Sport is a positive conduit that allows these kids to channel their energy in a positive format," said Dosanjh.

Dosanjh believes sports are essential in teaching kids the core values and principles that help stop entering a life of crime.

The kids on the field played as a team, passing, kicking and scoring, while the kids off field cheered from the sidelines.

When teams scored the players high-fived and congratulated one another. The team on defense patted their goalie on the back with encouragement and support.

"A lot of these kids don't play any other sport other than what we offer at school," said Eddie Lang, a teacher and coach from Queen Alexandra Elementary School.

It's a chance to just play soccer as a team and together as boys and girls, said Lang. The tournament involves kids getting together to learn and share and meet other kids from around the city.

"For a lot of kids it's a savior," said Lang. "It's something to look forward to, where they can forget about themselves and contribute."

"Sports can teach everything. It teaches kids how to win and how to lose and allows them to be part of something that is bigger than themselves."