Police Athletic League to host Friday sessions for kids at South Patrol

By John Sharp

The Police Athletic League will host sessions for children 8-13 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. most Fridays beginning on November 5 through the end of the year at the gymnasium in the rear of the South Patrol Police Campus, 9701 Marion Park Dr.

The sessions will be on November 5, 12 & 19 and on December 3, 10 & 17 and will include free dinners, playing sports such as basketball, karate, martial arts, dodge ball, etc., doing crafts and learning life skills.

No RSVPs are required, but children must be registered as PAL kids at www.kcpal.org/register-for-pal.   The sessions will be conducted by officers and licensed life skill coaches.

The program is seeking donations of board games, sporting equipment such as basket balls, kick bals, etc., drinks and snacks which can be dropped off at South Patrol and marked for Southland PAL. 

PAL is rooted in the belief that all youth deserve the opportunity to expand their horizons and realize their full potential. From mountain biking to playing on the PAL baseball field, the program offers a wide range of activities that build the kids’ confidence and motivation while offering positive role models and mentorship with Kansas City police officers.  Officers serve as volunteer coaches and mentors to the community’s youth. Additionally, older PAL youth play on sport teams with police officers, competing with them, learning from them and fostering meaningful relationships.

PAL is open to youth ages 8 to 18 who are enrolled in school.  PAL participants must maintain a 2.0 GPA and help will be provided for anyone not meeting that standard.

Persons may contact Community Interaction Officer Mary McCall at Mary.McCall@kcpd.org or 816-672-2828 if they have any questions.