City of Portland – Community Safety Division – 04/05/24 9:55 AM
On Sunday, April 7, the Portland Activities & Athletics League (PAAL) – in collaboration with the Portland Office of Violence Prevention, Gresham Youth Services, and Portland Police Bureau – will launch the second season of PAAL’s NFL Flag Football League from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at David Douglas High School.
The flag football league is one of many activities that fulfill PAAL’s mission by supporting youth through athletics and mentoring. At Sunday’s event, players will meet their teammates and coaches, receive their NFL flag jerseys, and participate in a mock NFL combine with football drills and exercises. The league includes youth from kindergarten through eighth grade and runs from April 7 to May 19.
“I am an alumnus of the PAAL program (formerly known as PAL). It was a life-changing opportunity that also served as my first positive exposure to the Portland Police Bureau,” said Marcell Frazier, Portland Office of Violence Prevention Director. “Thanks to the program, my parents didn’t have to face the financial burden of providing cleats and equipment for me. I hope PAAL can exist for the foreseeable future and continue to serve at-risk youth, and all youth in general.”
PAAL is looking for coaches and referees for the upcoming season. Background checks are required for all head coaches, assistant coaches, team managers, and staff, and are free of charge. Anyone interested can email [email protected] for more information.
What: PAAL NFL Flag Football League kick-off event
When: Sunday, April 7 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: David Douglas High School Football Field (1500 SE 130th Ave, Portland OR 97233)
Background
PAAL is a 501 c(3) organization that builds partnerships among youth, the law enforcement community, service professionals, and the community at large. PAAL fosters an environment of safety, trust, and belonging to inspire youth to achieve greatness through mentoring, athletics, academic, and leadership programs.
For more information about PAAL, visit https://www.paalnflflag.com/.