It’s something I love coming to and gives me a fun activity to do in my free time. I get to know my teammates better and have made new friends.
who we are
Helping Youth Find Their Greatnes
In partnership with the Detroit Police Department and community volunteers, Detroit PAL is helping youth find their greatness through athletic, academic, and leadership development programs.
est.
2025
56+ Years of Service
8500
+
Youth Participants
1000
+
Coaches & Volunteers
What we do
Programs, Resources, and Opportunities for Detroit Youth
Detroit PAL offers a wide range of sports for youth of all ages and skill levels, creating opportunities to learn, grow, and compete.
Programs focused on leadership development, literacy, mentoring, and building life skills through PAL’s G.R.E.A.T. Model.
Creating positive connections and building trust between youth and Detroit police officers through meaningful engagement.
game on
Programs Open Now
Spots are available in the programs below. Get started today.
Partners & Sponsors
Instrumental to Our Success
Detroit PAL partners and sponsors play a vital role in making PLAY possible. Their support helps keep programs, leagues, and teams active across the city while also fueling special events, training clinics, and new opportunities for youth.
Together, we’re creating more access, more impact, and more moments that help young people thrive.
- Support a PAL Program(s)
- Support a PAL League(s)
- Support a PAL Team(s)
- Financial Support
- Provide Resources
- Volunteer Time
Real stories. Real impact.
What does being a part of PAL mean to you?
Madison Grafton
PAL Participant, 11
As a police officer, why is teaching hockey important to you?
Instead of seeing the police on the worst days of their lives, they see us during some of their happiest moments. We build bonds with people of different backgrounds and cultures, which is also important to me. I think it’s cool that their first coach is a police officer, especially as someone who grew up in PAL themselves.
Corporal Norwood
Hockey Coach & PAL Officer
What do you appreciate most about the Detroit PAL programs?
I think that the opportunities Detroit PAL offers kids are great. A lot of these kids don’t have the chance to participate in sports, but because of PAL, they get that experience.
Dion Traylor
PAL Parent
How has playing hockey helped you in school, at home, or with friends?
It helps me get my energy out and gets me moving. I love coming here because everyone at PAL is so nice.
Chase Coleman
PAL Participant, 9
What do you appreciate most about the Detroit PAL programs?
My boys have participated in many programs with PAL, like baseball, tennis, & hockey. I love what PAL teaches them, besides just sports. My son Chase first learned what resilience meant here, and carries that with him. I love how encouraging everyone is.
Robin Coleman
PAL Parent
How do people react when they find out you play football?
They are always surprised. People see me as girly, because I do step and cheer, but I also wanted to show that girls can play football too.
Nyla Orear
PAL Participant, 12
GIve Today
Help Us Transform Lives
We can’t do this without you. Every gift helps create opportunities for Detroit youth to grow, lead, and thrive through PAL programs.
With so many challenges facing young people today, your support matters more than ever. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference with Detroit PAL.
