Warwick PAL’s fall programs are in full swing as it looks to be a staple in the city’s youth sports scene.

PAL’s football and cheerleading season began last weekend and the organization’s annual golf tournament is slated for next Wednesday at Cranston Country Club, with funds going directly toward the league. PAL is also introducing a fall lacrosse program as it looks to expand on its successful spring season, and is once again fielding a fall baseball team.

PAL is already preparing for its winter season and will be announcing tryout dates for basketball and wrestling in the coming weeks. Its hockey program will continue to be a part of the Junior Development League.

With approximately 1,000 kids registered across all sports, PAL hopes to grow its numbers while also attaining donations to help propel the league forward. Although its numbers have remained steady, executive director James Jennings hopes to reestablish PAL as the go-to youth organization in Warwick as it was back when he was a member of its programs.

“A misconception is that we are city-funded. We are city-supported, but not city-funded. We are dependent on registrations, grants, fundraisers, donations. All of our programs are starting to grow which is great. It’s not what it used to be, everything was so much bigger. We’re still more on the rec level. You see AAU teams, travel teams, a lot less homegrown players,” Jennings said.

Along with the aforementioned sports, PAL is also looking to bring back its boxing program and also offers sports that tend to fly under the radar, such as candlepin bowling. PAL also offers a mentorship program for at risk middle school students.

“We want them to find something that they like, that’s why we offer so many different things. Try it out and see how it works out. My adage is, provide a competitive experience at a recreational price. We’re trying to find those little things that make people want to try,” Jennings said. “That’s why we’re trying to build the lacrosse program for example, we’re also doing an intro to wrestling where kids can come talk to the coaches and see what we’re doing. They can experience it.”

Donations made toward PAL will be going toward items such as equipment and up-to-date electronics. PAL is also looking to give its facility on Bend Street a facelift, which would include indoor spaces for teams to practice.

“Funding-wise, we’re always looking at equipment. One thing that we’ve fallen behind on is staying up to date with training tools. We still use old stuff that is starting to cycle out. We’re big on the safety aspect, we always have our football equipment sent out and certified, but it’s the other stuff. We’re looking at new equipment, tools, video for kids that learn better through visuals,” Jennings said.

For more information on the happenings at PAL, check out its website at www.Warwickpal.org.