OKC Police Athletic League Pivots To Esports

For the Oklahoma City Police Athletic League, or PAL, wins aren't really measured by the score, but the connection they make with kids in the community. 

"It's building that gap between the police department, the police officers, and the kids,” said OKC PAL Sgt. Jose Pena. 

Bridging that gap proved difficult in the pandemic when all physical sports leagues were canceled. 

But where there's wi-fi, there's a way. 

PAL started their first ever esports program, allowing kids to play online and still interact with PAL officers. 

"The biggest thing is being able just to stay in touch with the kids, and giving them the opportunity not only through gaming, or through the games, but an opportunity to reach out to us for anything else,” said Pena. 

The game is Rocket League, basically soccer on wheels. The kids said they miss playing sports for real, but this is the next best thing. 

"We did not expect all this that they're doing, really thankful for that,” said Joshua, one of the e-gamers. 

The Police Athletic League is planning on an Esports League this fall, and if you'd like to sign up your kids, you can find that information on PAL’s website.