CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK)\u2014A local program is using sports to create new opportunities for kids across the community.<\/p>\n
The Cape Coral Police Athletic League’s new travel basketball team, the Coyotes, focuses on mentorship, structure and building relationships that last. WINK Sports reporter Lauren Halpern went to tryouts.<\/p>\n
The program is being led by a 15-year Cape Coral police officer who is combining his background in coaching with other local high school coaches to create a team built on more than just basketball.<\/p>\n
“Being part of a team is important, because they get to learn the necessary skills to communicate better with others and eventually go into the workforce and become successful,” said Coby Palmer, head coach of the Coyotes.<\/p>\n
As a longtime officer and former school resource officer, Palmer has seen firsthand the challenges many kids face and how sports can help guide them in the right direction.<\/p>\n
“I care about your character and who you are off the court,” Palmer said.<\/p>\n
A message that’s already resonating with other coaches involved in the program.<\/p>\n
“We are trying to instill life skills in them, communication skills, how to be a better person, how to work together with each other, and we are teaching them those things intertwined in our drills, not just teaching them the skills of basketball,” said Kristen Aley, basketball coach at Oasis Middle and High Schools.<\/p>\n