About

Since 1959, thousands of San Francisco youth have participated in PAL activities – kids on every block and every zip code have benefited from the dedication of volunteer adult mentors and role models. From a meager beginning and a handful of kids, SFPAL currently serves almost 1,200 youth annually with the help of 100 civilian and police volunteer coaches and mentors through a variety of sports and leadership activities. Many of our volunteers are parent coaches, from which a significant portion are PAL alumni themselves, who benefited from the program in their youth and choose to give back to the youth in their community with their time, energy, and commitment.

SFPAL builds community by organizing youth sports and healthy activities that develop personal character and foster positive relationships among police officers, youth, and dedicated volunteers.

SFPAL Board and Staff

First PAL article in POA Journal May 1959

Our History

Fifty-five years ago, two policemen decided they wanted to do something about “the growing juvenile delinquency problem” in San Francisco. They courageously took out personal loans and started what has grown into the San Francisco Police Activities League.

From this meager beginning and a handful of kids, SFPAL has grown to serve thousands of San Francisco youth – reaching every  San Francisco neighborhood and block over the past half-century. Since 1959, thousands of SFPAL youth have grown into leaders within the City of San Francisco, the San Francisco Police Department, and the business and nonprofit community. Today, almost 1,200 kids participate in PAL healthy activities with the help of over 100 civilian and police volunteers every year.

SFPAL is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and receives no funding from the City and County of San Francisco.