The Suffolk County Police Athletic League was incorporated on October 19, 1973. Through the dedication and had work of our children, their parents, our outstanding volunteer base of over 2,500 , board of directors, and staff, Suffolk County PAL is into its 45th year as one of the largest and most successful juvenile crime prevention and recreational programs in the country.
Although all children are eligible to join PAL programs, the immediate aim is to reach low income areas that are without recreational affiliations for any number of reasons: school on asterity, limited resouces, hopelessness and even empathy. We live on an island yet some PAL kids had never been on the water until they went on a fishing trip. In 2017 Suffolk County PAL touched lives of 20,000 boys and girls, so many who would have no sports in their lives without PAL.
PAL programs run year round. We do not compete with local leagues or school sports. PAL programs are on the towards keeping kids occupied when they have down time. There are programs in every community according to what that community needs. Some programs are run on Town fields while others utilize school fields and gymnasiums. There after school and evening programs and during the day when school is not in session.
PAL realizes that every child is unique in ability and interests so we have tried to cover as many bases as possible. Programs include arts\crafts, baseball, basketball, bowling, boxing, cheerleading, dance fishing, football, karate\tae kwondo, lacrosse, roller hockey, self- defense\ self-esteem, soccer, soft ball, summer camps, track and field, and local state tournaments.
We have established a “mentoring Program’ which includes adult and peer mentoring. We also have initatiated a number of innovative programs to address gang involvement and self- esteem.