The PAL Way

The Historic  St. Johns County Police Athletic League is character based, relationship driven program. The goal is to provide young people who come through our programs the foundation and motivation to excel in their lives. This is called "THE PAL WAY". The "PAL Way" is defined by a set of core values which emboldens our youth to take on the challenges of the world and become successful, law-abiding citizens. These values have nothing to do with ability or talent, but with a mindset. Here at PAL, it's More Than A Game,  It's a way of life.

Core Values

Attitude:

“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it”.   

Lou Holtz

In many cases, our attitude will determine a positive or negative outcome. School, work, sports, and relationships will not always be easy. Life is full of challenges and our attitude will dictate our results. PAL is a “cup half full” organization. Our youth will learn what it means to have a positive, resilient attitude. In the midst of struggle, we will appreciate the situation, but push through with a tangible enthusiasm to succeed.

Effort:

“Continuous effort, not strength or intelligence, is the key to unlocking our potential”.

Winston Churchill

One of few objects we have control over in this world is our effort. Rarely do individuals look back and wish they had not worked so hard. In contrast, they wished they had worked harder. We live in a society where the emphasis is decreasing on good old fashioned hard work. Our youth, coaches, volunteers, and staff are expected to put forth their best effort in everything they do. Whether at school, work, or on the field, our young people will put forth an effort that  will shine above the rest.  Individual and team success will hinge on the relentless pursuit of excellence through hard work.

Integrity:

Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.

W. Clement Stone

If there is one character trait that is the foundation of all our programs, it is integrity.  Integrity encompasses goodness, courage, honesty, kindness, generosity, and heart.  It is more than being kind for a reward, but being kind because it is the right thing to do. Our youth are faced with many difficult decisions. PAL strives to provide them with the ability to make the right choices even when it is unpopular. It is not about what we do when others are around, but what we do when they are not.

Community:

“Individual commitment to a group effort. That is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work”.

Vince Lombardi

A community is defined as a group of people sharing a common location, interests, values, or identity. Being a member of the PAL Community involves a level of pride and respect for one another. The PAL Community's ultimate goal is to work as one unit to positively affect those around us and produce a brighter future for the community we serve. The expectation is that the youth and volunteers will learn to work together and foster a mentality of group achievement.