Community Foundation-Supported Program Scores with Local Youth

Submitted by Anne White

(Mohawk Valley, NY) On a Thursday night during the dog days of August, young athletes gathered to practice for that evening’s championship basketball game and discuss the all-star game that would take place the next night. When they took to the court to warm up, they were welcomed by smell of the fired-up grill, the sounds of pop music coming from the speakers and the sight of family, friends and neighbors who had gathered to watch the game.

This was no ordinary basketball championship, though. The game marked the end of the inaugural Boys and Girls Club of the Mohawk Valley Police Athletic League. Approximately 90 Boys and Girls Club members, ages 13-18, signed up for the co-ed program, in which off-duty members of the Utica Police Department coached them. After a series of games and semi-finals, the coaches and teams gathered in mid-August for the championship and the all-star game, which included slam-dunk and 3-point contests.

Aaron Graham of the Boys and Girls Club coordinated the league and saw a great change in attitudes between the July 7 start and the August 13 championship; what started as a wary relationship between players and coaches began a dialogue between the youth and police, which ultimately developed into a relationship of mutual respect. In other cities, similar programs have helped foster understanding and eased tensions between residents and law enforcement.

While the program began as a recreational opportunity for Boys and Girls Club members, it soon grew into a popular event. One evening, more than 200 people from the community attended a game and employees from other sites came in to assist the Lansing Street staff. The players became celebrities to the children in the neighborhood, who would excitedly wave and cheer on their favorites.

Wayne Baran, Boys and Girls Club executive director, said, “The Police Athletic League has exceeded our expectations and our board, staff and – most importantly – the club’s young people are grateful for the support we have received. The league not only gave Utica’s teenagers something to do at night, but it brought families and the neighborhood together for something positive and fun. We plan to continue this program next year, and I invite everyone who reads this to attend games and see what The Boys and Girls Club is about.

This was a true community program, and we are grateful to The Community Foundation, Bob Roth and the Oneida County Youth Bureau, Sean Brown and the City of Utica Youth Bureau, Deputy Police Chief Robert Williams and the Utica Police Department and, of course, County Executive Tony Picente and Mayor David Roefaro for their participation, encouragement and belief in this program,” he continued.

Although school was not in session, this summer program provided lessons in understanding, cooperation and respect to both teens and police officers. With community support, they’ll be back for another season next summer.

The Boys and Girls Club of the Mohawk Valley was founded in 1931 and its programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.

The Police Athletic League program was funded in part with a grant from The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Inc.

To learn more about our local Boys and Girls Club, call 724-2524 or visit www.bgcutica.org.

To learn more about The Community Foundation, call 735-8212 or visit www.foundationhoc.org.

Community Foundation-Supported Program Scores with Local Youth

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