Detroit PAL is a nonprofit organization that organizes youth football, basketball, baseball, track, soccer and many other recreational sport leagues around the city of Detroit, MI. Each sport league lasts for 8–12 weeks for kids ages 7–14. Detroit PAL allows inner city youth to participate in summer, winter, spring or fall activities and programs to help kids build character and get kids active and social at a young age.
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History
Detroit PAL was formed on March 1, 2006 with the merging of the Think Detroit|Think Detroit Inc. organization and the Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL). The purpose of this merger between the two leading youth organizations in the city of Detroit was designed to accomplish the goal of "serving more kids through better programs."
Registration
Registration for one of Detroit's PAL Athletic programs includes a copy of your child's original birth certificate and a small fee. Participants can register through an independent team, such as a school or local club, or individually.
Programming
Detroit PAL runs recreation sports and school leagues for over twelve different sports. In the football program, Detroit PAL hosts an annual league championship at Ford Field, where over 6,000 spectators and supporters come to watch games and participate in the festivities. In addition, Detroit PAL hosts a cheerleading competition, various camps, clinics and academies.
Volunteer
Because Detroit PAL is a nonprofit organization, it cannot afford to hire coaches for all the teams it supports. Therefore, the continuation of the Detroit PAL organization relies on the nearly 1,500 volunteers that dedicate their time to coach or participate in Detroit PAL's programs. Each volunteer coach must participate in the IMPACT coaches training program. Volunteer coaches must also learn all the rules and guidelines of the sport they are volunteering to coach and be able to pass a criminal background check to ensure a safe environment around the children.
Events
Detroit Pal hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. Detroit PAL is one of the charities that benefits from the North American International Auto Show charity preview at Cobo Hall. In addition, Paul W. Smith hosts the Annual Paul W. Smith Golf Classic to benefit Detroit PAL and the organization participates in the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon.