ABOUT PAL DE

ABOUT

PAL DE

OUR MISSION

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Prevent youth crime in Delaware by providing youth between the ages of 6 to 18 with supervised athletic, educational, and social development activities.

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Reach out to youth with programs which address citizenship, self-esteem, substance abuse, and respect for law and order.

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Encourage participation and support by the community in PAL programs to help build a solid foundation for Delaware’s youth – for life.

MEET OUR STAFF

Company Philosophy

At the Police Athletic League of Delaware our objective is simple, to provide results-oriented services with the highest level of excellence, professionalism and compassion. The PAL DE has always emphasized that outstanding people are the key to our success. Through the efforts of our people, the PAL DE has become a leader in the juvenile crime prevention marketplace.

The Police Athletic League of Delaware offers all sorts of programs for youth in New Castle County. With programs focused on academics, drug awareness, suicide and violence, summer camps, and athletic activities, PAL DE continues to offer guidance, support, friendship, and exercise to Delaware kids.

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PAL-ademic After-School Programs

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PAL DE National PAL Mentoring Program (NPAL)

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Shield of Protection Initiative

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Suicide and Violence Education (S.A.V.E.)

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Sports Programs

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Youth Academy

Our History

HOW PAL DE WAS FOUNDED

In the bustling city of New York, a group of tough youngsters roamed the streets, causing chaos and trouble wherever they went.Their antics culminated in the shattering of a store window, a reckless act that caught the attention of Lt. Ed W. Flynn from the New York Police Department Crime Prevention Bureau.

Determined to understand the root cause of the youths’ delinquent behavior, Lt. Flynn embarked on a mission to connect with the ringleader. What he discovered was simple yet profound – the kids lacked a safe space to play, to engage in sports, and to simply be kids. Fueled by his passion for baseball and a desire to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the youth, Lt. Flynn envisioned a solution that would transform lives.

Enlisting the support of his fellow officers and local shopkeepers, Lt.Flynn rallied the community behind the idea of creating a baseball team for the youngsters under police supervision. The concept was to provide these kids with more than just a recreational outlet; it was about fostering positive relationships and offering guidance in a supportive environment.

With each person pitching in a dollar for equipment and uniforms, the team swiftly came together on a playground where a police officer would watch over their games. The impact was immediate and profound – the once wayward youth found a sense of purpose, camaraderie, and respect through the sport they loved.

As the summer unfolded, a dozen teams emerged, each representing a beacon of hope and opportunity for the city’s youth. What started as a simple act of kindness and understanding blossomed into a thriving indoor youth center, setting the stage for the birth of the Police Athletic League (PAL) – a program founded on the principle of building bridges between police officers and the communities they serve through sports, mentorship, and friendship.

PAL of Delaware was founded by three New Castle County Police Officers in 1984. Thomas Gordan, John Cunniingham, and Scott Phillips recognized the need in Delaware for a PAL chapter. With the support of the community, they were able to start the first PAL of Delawre.