By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — Don’t be surprised if you see Salisbury Police officers tossing around a football with a group of children this weekend and in the coming months.
The department is gearing up for a resurgence of its Police Athletic League and the first major activity, recruiting for its youth football team.
The league will hold a registration session Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at 1005 Stanley St., Salisbury, off Lincolnton Road.
Cost is $75. Some full and partial scholarships are available for those who are eligible. Eligibility is determined by the league board.
The athletic league is an opportunity for officers to coach youth in sports and mentor them.
Through the program, the hope is youth “will see police in a different light,” said Chief Rory Collins.
League President Brian Miller began discussing the program with Collins last year.
“When we connected, it worked out like I hoped it would,” Collins said.
Salisbury Master Police Officer Corey Brooks will coordinate the program on the law enforcement side.
Collins said he has had mentors and this is a program that is dear to him.
Miller said 53 youth are already enrolled, but there is still space for more.
The league accepts those age 5-to-13 years old. The teams are divided into age divisions.
Collins said this is a good age to reach children.
The league isn’t just looking for boys to play football, but girls with an interest in cheerleading.
Registration for the football team is just one part of the Saturday event.
The event will also feature opportunities for basketball and mentoring programs.
Food will be available for purchase.
The Salisbury Police Athletic League 49ers have been playing for five years, but this is the first year under the arm of the police department, which will also offer financial support.
The first practice will begin next week. Practice is held Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-8 p.m. at Monroe Street Extension, across from the United House of Prayer, Old Concord Road and South Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.
Officers will spend time with the youth during breaks on practice evenings.
Students have to submit progress reports from school to program leaders. Tutoring help will be offered to those who need it.
Brooks, who played football at Livingstone College before graduating, will also help with mentoring the youth.
He’s in the process of lining up fellow officers who will be apart of his support team. Officer Ann Cooper has also signed on to help. She heads the Cadet Program, G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education And Training) and the D.A.R.E program.
Brooks has already given community talks at Isenberg Elementary, and he has connections through the YMCA.
“I’m really looking forward to doing this,” Brooks said.
Collins said when he was looking for a program coordinator, he wanted someone who had been an inspiration to others and he thought of Brooks.
Contact Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.