BATON ROUGE — Several organizations are working together to relaunch the Police Athletic League of South Louisiana and bring a youth flag football league to East Baton Rouge Parish.

The Louisiana Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Foundation, BREC, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, National PAL and NFL FLAG announced the partnership Thursday morning at the Inspiration Center at Howell Park.

Leaders said the goal is to invest in kids and long-term community safety by combining law enforcement, recreation, health care and youth organizations.

“NFL FLAG gives communities another tool to make football accessible to more young people,” said Barry Stewart, commissioner of NFL FLAG. “Working with National PAL, LECJF, BREC, law enforcement, and local partners allow us to bring national resources to the table while supporting the people already doing the work in their communities.”

National PAL and NFL FLAG bring additional resources, experience, and connections that can strengthen that local work. The intent is not to create a competing league structure or replace programs that are already successful. Where strong local leagues exist, the partnership can support them. Where communities identify gaps or want to expand opportunities, the partners can help bring additional resources to the table.

BREC will provide access to fields, gyms and facilities for local leagues, while continuing to maintain and improve parks across the parish. BREC Superintendent Brooks Williams said in a prepared statement that the agency is committed to being a dependable partner and making parks safe and welcoming for families.

Williams also announced a renewed partnership with law enforcement agencies to strengthen communication and coordination around public safety at parks and facilities.

Stewart said registration for the new flag football league will open in September, with a kickoff jamboree at Memorial Park on Dec. 5. The season will run seven weeks starting Jan. 13 and end with playoffs and a championship.

EJ Kuiper, President and CEO of FMOL Health, also spoke about the health system's commitment to community health in historically underserved areas of North Baton Rouge and its partnership with LECJF to provide wrap-around health services onsite at the Inspiration Center. FMOL Health announced a $500,000 financial and onsite services gift. The gift will help ensure high-quality programming remains accessible at the Inspiration Center and will fund a Community Health Worker for youth and families onsite.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Louisiana shared that 261 youth have been served at the Inspiration Center since it opened, with more than 30 organizations involved.

The press conference ended with Baton Rouge Police introducing Saturn, the department’s newest bomb-detection K-9.