The Mission of the Developmental Elementary Athletic League is:
-to provide a positive and educational athletic experience to the youth of Prince George’s County, Maryland, -to enhance the overall development of character, self-esteem, self-respect, respect for others, and sportsmanship through sport participation, -to utilize effective programs to develop both technical skills and personal skills which will benefit youth for a lifetime.
The teaching philosophy of DEAL Basketball is to emphasize contributing characteristics for success in both sport and in life.
HISTORY OF DEAL
The Developmental Elementary Athletic League, termed DEAL, was created in 2000, by a joint effort of certified teachers within Prince George’s County, Maryland. It is a developmental league that offers elementary-aged students the opportunity to enhance their basketball skills, social development, and foster sportsmanship and school pride. DEAL has academic guidelines, consistent with the MD State Guidelines for Athletics, as well as many internal modifications such as, a mandatory play rule, which means that every player on a team must play a certain number of minutes per game. The league is comprised of separate boy and girl teams, ranging from 10 to 13 years of age.
The initial season included 5 sites, totaling 10 teams, and has since grown into 11 sites in our tenth year. Over the years, DEAL has touched the lives of over 2000 students, boys and girls, within 27 PG County elementary schools. As an advocate for education, we realize that 10 to 13 year olds are very impressionable and need discipline, structure, and guidance. DEAL offers discipline, structure, and guidance as well as developing socialization skills, goal setting, career development, and stresses academics.
Through DEAL, we have helped to boost school spirit and bridge the gap between school and community. In conjunction with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), stronger community ties can be witnessed at the Potomac Landing, John E. Howard, Palmer Park, Oakcrest, Suitland Community Centers and recently added Seat Pleasant Activity Center. DEAL has a positive effect on everyone involved. With a vast array of volunteers, DEAL helps to negate negative behavior and gang involvement. DEAL allows it's athletes to "be a part of something special." It is a grass-roots innovation with no down sides that ultimately helps players, cheerleaders, parents, and communities build stronger social bonds.
