About the Manchester Police Athletic League
  The Manchester Police Athletic League (PAL or MPAL) is a not for profit organization that was formed in 1992 by police officers who wanted to create a positive bond between our police officers and the youth in our community. The goal is not only accomplished through athletic programs but also through educational and enrichment programs which the officers coordinate, coach and teach to the youth of the community, FREE OF CHARGE. The programs stress education, self-discipline, teamwork as well as working on a good positive self-image, building self-confidence and giving kids a positive image of the police. These officers become roll models for many of the children involved in the programs.

Manchester PAL is part of the National PAL Association. PAL programs throughout the country have contributed to producing many star athletes over the years; those athletes include Wilt Chamberlain, Sugar Ray Leonard and Joe Frazier. Many of our city's youth, as well as those from some surrounding towns, have engaged in one or more activities or programs offered by Manchester PAL. The majority of youth come from inner city or lower income families, who would otherwise not be able to afford programs on their own. Some of activities (past and present) include: Self-defense, football, basketball, cheerleading, boxing, tennis, bicycle safety as well as the flag and drill team.

PAL offers a hands-on approach to Crime Prevention in the community, provides great public relations to the community and in general is a good overall positive program for the community, the youth and the officers involved. The philosophy behind the Police Athletic League is "Playgrounds Not Prisons". By keeping youth involved in different activities, it is hoped that their energy will be focused toward these activities rather than inappropriate or criminal activities.

PAL purchased a building in order to house all or most of the activities. The theory behind it is to give kids a place to go, day or night, to engage in a wide variety of activities, rather than remaining idle at home or in the streets. Youth partnership with the police is seen as an alternative to youth violence and mischief. The PAL program strives and hopes to curb these traits by providing an alternative to youth.

We currently seek funding from donations by concerned citizens, fund raising efforts by the board of directors and some assistance through federal funding via the Manchester Housing Authority. Our largest fundraisers come from The CB Sullivan Corporation, which sponsors an annual golf tournament, from which proceeds are forwarded to our program. Our only other major source of income is derived from our annual "PAL Stovepipe" college hockey tournament. Donations are accepted and encouraged to keep the programs going. Any inquiries about the programs or any persons, businesses or Corporations interested in assisting in any manner should contact: Officer O'Keefe.