The leader of a local youth football team in Bridgeport says the athletes are being harassed by other young people while they practice.

Milton Green, the team leader of the Bridgeport Chargers, says the harassers are wreaking havoc in the immediate area, including breaking into cars, stealing bikes and jumping other kids.

“We're out here volunteering, giving our time and giving our energy to help these kids out. We're trying to protect our kids. Who's protecting us?” he says.

Green says young people who prowl the streets pose a danger to the players.

“It makes me angry because all these kids are doing good, all these kids are trying to do something positive. All these kids are doing what they need to be doing,” he says.

He says he has complained about the problem to city officials at every level, but has not gotten any help – and says the problem is escalating.

Green also says police have been slow to respond every time he has called them for help, leaving him, his players and their parents deeply frustrated.

When News 12 Connecticut contacted Bridgeport Police Chief AJ Perez, he agreed to meet personally with Green, and to step up patrols when the players are practicing and when they are playing their games.