MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Shelby Police Activities League (PAL) kicked off its tackle football program Saturday, Aug. 24.
This year, the nonprofit was supposed to be playing on a newly renovated field at Charles Greenhill Stadium after getting a grant from the Tennessee Titans.
But the project could be in jeopardy if they don't raise the rest of the money needed for Phase One of the renovations by Labor Day 2024.
Memphis Shelby PAL has hundreds of boys and girls in its youth sports program. Angela Rose said the program offers the structure and positive role models that her family needs.
"I have six grandchildren and one child that's under Memphis Shelby PAL," Rose said. "It is something fulfilling for the children."
In June 2023, Memphis Shelby PAL held a groundbreaking to mark the beginning of a four phase 'Field of Dreams' renovation project at Charles Greenhill Stadium in Frayser. Memphis Shelby PAL executive director Craig Littles is from Frayser and played on that field when he was in school. It was donated to the nonprofit by the City of Memphis.
"It's been a lifelong dream for me to bring Greenhill back to life," Littles said.
The project includes a turf field, a new track and other facility upgrades. But construction still hasn't started. Memphis Shelby PAL got a $250,000 grant from the Tennessee Titans through the NFL's Grassroots Field Grant Program. That funding was matched by the Shelby County Commission.
From there, the nonprofit still has $500,000 left to raise to start phase one of the project by Labor Day 2024, or it will lose that grant. The organization also faces other challenges maintaining the field while waiting for renovations.
"Someone stole all our lawn equipment. So, we have to pay people or go out there and do it ourselves," Littles said.
For now, the tackle football program is playing at St. Benedict at Auburndale in Cordova. The school's athletic director, Ronald Davis, was proud to offer up his field.
"I love seeing these kids," Davis said. "I came up playing youth football. It's just a great look to have all the families and people coming out to see these kids."
Littles is grateful for the facility, but said some kids had to be turned away this season due to a lack of space at St. Benedict. He hopes to get enough donations by next week, so they can get back into their own stadium next year.
"Once Greenhill Field of Dreams is up and running, we can accommodate more kids and more sports opportunities in a fun and safe environment," said Littles.
"It's important for North Memphis and the city. It's just something positive for the kids," Rose said.
The total project is expected to cost about $8 million. The first phase is expected to take about six months once construction begins.
You can donate here.