Registration Now Open for Syracuse PAL Summer Clinics for Ages 6-13 in Football, Soccer, Basketball and Dance
The Syracuse Police Department has announced the creation of the Syracuse chapter of the Police Athletic/Activities League. The Syracuse PAL was created in partnership with the New York State Police, DeWitt Police, District Attorney’s Office, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, and various community partners.
“Creating a Syracuse Police Athletic/Activities League is a big win for police-community relations. It’s what people have said we need in Syracuse for many years to create more positive outlets for youth and build stronger relationships between young people and our police officers,” said Mayor Walsh. “I want to thank Chief Buckner and the Syracuse Police Department for getting behind this program.”
The Syracuse Police Athletic/Activities League is a youth development program that brings youth and cops together in a non-law enforcement setting. The Syracuse PAL will provide youth support and skill-building through mentoring and engaging activities in partnership with city, county, and state law enforcement agencies alongside community partners and volunteers
“I’m excited to have Syracuse PAL be introduced into our community. It comes at a time when building relationships with our youth is more important than ever,” said Syracuse Police Chief Kenton Buckner. “We are aiming to build a bridge to meaningful relationships with our city’s young people. This is one step in that process and one of the many ways by which officers are looking forward to serve.”
Syracuse PAL is affiliated with the National Association of Police Athletic/Activities League, Inc., which exists to aid in the prevention of juvenile crime and violence by providing mentorship, civic/service, athletic, recreational, enrichment and educational opportunities and resources to PAL Membership Chapters. As a membership based organization, the National PAL will support the Syracuse member chapter with resources, opportunities to aid with organizational growth, and by helping Syracuse showcase and build a unique local program to enhance the quality of individual youth engagement.
“On behalf of our collective National PAL Board of Directors, Administration and fellow member chapters, we are excited to welcome Syracuse PAL to the Family. We look forward to seeing the great impact that your organization will have on your community, while being dedicated to our mission of building better Kids, Cops & Communities,” states Jeff Hood, CEO of National PAL.
The Community Engagement Director for the Syracuse Police Department, Jimmy Oliver, will lead the program with the support of a board of volunteer community members.
“Thank you to our volunteer board and to the National PAL agency for their support. The response from community residents has been enormous. Syracuse PAL will give our youth the opportunity to be around positive role models on a consistent basis,” Oliver said.
Syracuse PAL already has several athletic activities planned for the month of July. Registration for Syracuse PAL Sports/Arts Summer Clinics in football, soccer, dance, and basketball are now open with 50 slots available per camp for children ages 6-13 years old.
Clinic Schedule
- Football: Saturday July 10,(updated) 2021 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Nottingham High School
- Soccer: Saturday July 17, 2021 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Schiller Park
- Dance: Saturday July 24, 2021 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Community Folk Art Center
- Basketball: Saturday July 31, 2021 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Higher Onondaga Park
Parents and guardians can begin registering students at neighborhood sites this week. Sites include:
Mary Nelson Center, 2849 S Salina St, Syracuse, NY 13205
Tuesday, June 8 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Mundy Branch Library 1204 S Geddes St, Syracuse, NY 13204
Wednesday, June 9 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Northside Learning Center Friday 501 Park St, Syracuse, NY 13203
Friday, June 11 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Residents with questions about the sports and arts clinics or the Syracuse PAL program should call Jimmy Oliver at (315) 870-5288. Information on the clinics can also be found at ourcity.syrgov.net/spaalclinics.
