Jul 11th, 2023
In the City of Mobile, every young person is encouraged to be a youth violence prevention champion. Using the game of basketball, the Mobile Police Department and the Mobile Housing Authority want to motivate young Mobilians to become just that.
Teenage and young adult basketball players from across Mobile are invited to participate in the upcoming Youth Violence Prevent (YVP) Hoop It Up Basketball Tournament on July 19 from 1 to 5 p.m. The tournament will be hosted on MHA’s property at Morgan Park (6000 N. Claiborne Street).
“Playing basketball is a great outlet and a way for youth to stay out of the streets,” Michael Pierce, CEO of the Mobile Housing Authority, said. “The Mobile Housing Authority is proud to partner with MPD, as this tournament will truly make a difference.”
The tournament on July 19 will be one of several activities during Youth Violence Prevention (YVP) Week, July 17 – July 23, 2023. The week will focus on giving youth in the City of Mobile a positive outlook on being and belonging. The primary mission of the City of Mobile’s first dedicated Youth Violence Prevention coordinator, Joshua Jones, is finding creative ways to connect with youth.
“Our efforts are meant to engage youth where they are at and within a safe place where they can be themselves,” Jones said.
There will be up to 20 teams playing in the 3-on-3 YVP Hoop it Up Basketball Tournament on July 19, which is open to all players between the ages of 13 and 24. There will be great prizes available for the winners. If interested in playing, participants can register online today at mobilepd.org/yvp.
MOBILE POLICE DEPARTMENT