About PAL / AYF Conference

The American Youth Football League & The Police Athletic League was conceived with a simple but powerful goal in mind: to help the youth by establishing a comprehensive sports league where young people may play sports, and by doing so, develop crucial skills in teamwork, competition, sportsmanship and friendship. We don’t just offer an opportunity for kids to perform consistent physical exercise, we give them platforms to learn teamwork and build relationships by participating in sports. In the PAL / AYF, children and young adults make friends for life, fostering important connections that benefit everyone involved. The lessons our participants learn are ones they keep with them throughout their lives. We aim to further sportsmanship and honor among children in a competitive atmosphere, making sure no child or young adult is left behind or made to feel out of place. Simply put, the PAL/AYF is a safe home for youngsters to learn, grow and develop their social and athletic skills.

The Police Athletic League is a youth activities center lead by Manatee County Sheriff Officers and a volunteer Board of Directors for the purpose of:

• Preventing juvenile crime and drug use.
• To provide positive role models for our youth.
• To develop discipline, self esteem and positive moral values through wholesome competition.
• To create better relations through communication between Law Enforcement Officers and the youth of our community.

Some of the youth in our communities will grow up with no positive connection and/or respect for Law Enforcement Officers. The lack of positive contact breeds distrust, fear and could give the negative influences a chance to recruit our youth. PAL provides positive role models for our youth, drug free environment, a safe haven and an atmosphere for youth to play and learn. Both the AYF and PAL believe that youth are more likely to strive when reached at a younger age, using sports as the tool.

Just like the AYF, PAL is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that provides athletic and recreational programs as a tool, a way to involve children in the program. Manatee PAL’s Mission “To bring law enforcement, kids and families together in a positive, safe environment through sports and academics to build a strong community.”

PAL is funded by public contributions that go directly to the youth programs. Money raised at PAL goes to funding first rate youth programs and to purchase/maintain equipment used by PAL members. Donations enable community youth to participate in Law Enforcement supervised activities.