The link between the OKC PAL Youth League and behavior in school continues to grow stronger each week. During one practice, we observed how two coaches handled a team disciplinary issue. The coaches challenged their players to hold each other accountable during the school day. It was a powerful lesson for the players in the gym, but it was also a necessary reminder for the adults in the gym as well. If we care about the people around us, we should have the courage to have difficult discussions with them. It was a privilege to be allowed into a team practice and see how these sixth grade students are being taught such valuable lessons.
One of our coaches recently shared a story about her team’s progress in the area of shooting layups. For many young basketball players, shooting a layup is often a hard skill to master. So during practice last week, this particular coach was committed to helping her players with this fundamental skill. After last week’s game, her players ran up to her after the game and expressed their excitement about their progress. It was the first week that some of the players had finally been able to score. In previous weeks, the team had relied on one player to score most of the points. Their understanding of the team concept grew significantly over the course of a single game. The coach commented on the amazing crowd during that game. She was extremely appreciative of the crowd’s support of her team as they demonstrated their newfound skills!
Finally, we want to thank one of our students and his family for having his birthday party after his game. We were honored that he wanted to include the OKC PAL Youth League in his birthday celebration. Happy Birthday, Chuy!