Durham Police Athletic League | |
Beginning Fall 2018, we are partnering with the Durham Police Athletic League (DPAL) as part of our outreach initiative to provide soccer opportunities to underserved populations in our community. DPAL serves elementary aged students in the Durham area using sport as means to promote healthy relationships between children and their community. NCFC Youth will provide jerseys, equipment, and curriculum support to the Durham Police Department.
About the Durham Police Athletic League
The Durham Police Athletic League focuses on the prevention of juvenile crime using sports and recreational activities as a platform to build relationships between kids, cops, and the community. Police officers serve as mentors promoting positive attitudes, teamwork, overcoming challenges and good citizenship among Durham youth.
Studies have shown that if a young person engages with a law enforcement officer on the ball field, gym or classroom, the youth will likely come to respect the laws that police officers enforce. Such respect is beneficial to the youth, the police officer, the neighborhood and the business community. Developing and maintaining relationships creates trust and understanding between police officers, youth, and their families.
Participation
20 public elementary schools in the Durham area participate in the program each year. 3rd-5th graders are eligible to participate.
Durham Elementary Schools
Burton Elementary, C.C. Spaulding Elementary, Club Boulevard Elementary, Easley Elementary, Eastway Elementary, Eno Valley Elementary, Fayetteville Street Elementary, Glenn Elementary, Global Scholars Academy, Holt Elementary, IDYL, Kestrel Heights School, Lakewood Elementary, Merrick Moore Elementary, Morehead Elementary, R.N. Harris Elementary, W.G. Pearson Elementary, Pearsontown Elementary, Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, Sandy Ridge, Y.E. Smith.
Location
The teams practice after school at their respective schools twice a week to alleviate any transportation concerns. Games are played on Saturdays at a central location, and the police department assists some families with game day transportation.