TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) – Birmingham had a record number of homicides in 2024. One of the things community leaders have suggested to help stem the tide of violence is to revive a Police Athletic League (PAL) program.
Tuscaloosa has been doing something similar for decades.
This is a league that serves children around the city of Tuscaloosa. The main goal is to introduce them to athletics with some life lessons mixed in.
There is a reason why Tuscaloosa city leaders are expanding the police athletic league. The program has been a success, enough so to pave the way for new outdoor basketball courts across the street from the PAL gym.
“To me, this is a good way to get kids in a more positive atmosphere,” said deputy chief Sebo Sanders.
Sanders says the program has been in place for 40 years or more. Sanders says there is no doubt it has kept kids away from violent crimes and focused on being law-abiding, productive members of society.
“I don’t have any current data at this time, but I can say it’s working. We have seen a lot of kids who have grown, graduate from high school, gone to college, and be productive citizens here in Tuscaloosa, so it’s working,” said Sanders.
On average, 60 children per day participate. It’s free of charge and overseen by two Tuscaloosa police officers.
“They work with the kids daily. It’s a positive atmosphere with activities like basketball, baseball and golf,” said Sanders.
Although sports are part of the program, the real driver is teaching kids life skills, the importance of grit, perseverance, respect for one another, and trust.
“It’s more of a life-building tool,” said Sanders.
A tool to shape, mold and empower children for the future.
Over in Birmingham, the police department tells us they’re working on reviving its version of the Police Athletic League – but don’t have definite plans to share yet.
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