By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

The PAL Center is preparing to start up a league for children that has a goal of “filling playgrounds, not prisons.”

The PAL Center is holding evaluations for its youth basketball league from Nov. 21-23.

Willie Collins, activities director at the PAL Center, said there will be teams for three age groups; 7-9 year old boys and girls, 10-12 year old boys and girls, and 13-14 year old boys.

“We’re trying to start a league right now and we’re looking for about eight teams,” Collins said.

Evaluations for the 7-9 year olds and 10-12 year olds will be on Monday and Wednesday from 4-6 p.m., while evaluations for 13-14 year olds will be on Tuesday and Thursday from 4-6 p.m.

Collins said the PAL Center’s program is good for children because it gives them something positive to do.

“Selma doesn’t have too many recreation things around for the kids, especially after school,” Collins said. “This is a place for the kids to come and exercise and be active, and at least they (parents) will know where they are at the time.

“There’s so much trouble out there, it’s important to give kids a safe environment.”

Collins said volunteer coaches are needed for all age groups and that applications are still being accepted.

“Volunteer coaches have to come to the center to pick up an application and get that filled out,” Collins said. “They get that back to us, so we can do a background check and see if they meet all the requirements to be put over a team.”

Applications are also available at Bloch Park and SOD.

For more information, call the PAL Center and Collins at 874-5596.