The Detroit Lions and the Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL), have announced the launch of an original youth initiative: the “Little Lions” league. This new co-ed flag football program adds another chapter to the longstanding partnership between the Detroit Lions and PAL.
“We are excited to institute this league as a new element to our historical partnership with Detroit PAL,” said Roxanne Caine, the Detroit Lions Vice President of Detroit Lions Foundation & Community Relations. She affirmed the shared vision of cultivating football’s future while building a robust community for local youth both on and off the field.
Playing Football, Building Life Skills
Starting Sunday, September 17, the inaugural season of the “Little Lions” league will span five weeks, during which each team will play a total of eight games. The league is aimed at children aged 6-8 in the Detroit area. These games will be played at The Corner Ballpark, the iconic site of the former Tiger Stadium. A kickoff event is slated for October 22 at Ford Field.
Participation in the league will involve teams from PAL’s partner schools, along with a limited number of individual registrations. The children registering individually will join the team corresponding to their home zip code. For families interested in enrolling their kids, additional information on registration is available at the Detroit PAL’s official website or by reaching out via email at programs@detroitpal.org.
Beyond the fun and excitement of the game, the “Little Lions” co-ed flag football league aims to provide a nurturing environment for any child participating. The program is also designed to foster positive relationships between the police force and the community. The league will promote the development of transferrable life skills, a natural byproduct of engaging in sports.
Support From Unexpected Quarters
Funding for the inaugural season will also be boosted by donations from Seattle Seahawks fans known as “The 12s”. This unexpected show of support came after the win in Green Bay in week 18 of the 2022 season. The win enabled the Seattle Seahawks to proceed to the NFL playoffs.
As a result, the “Little Lions” will deliver an impactful and meaningful football program for Detroit’s youth. The collective investment demonstrates the continued efforts to foster a love for football while promoting a positive community environment.
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Original Photo Credit: © Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
