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Intracoastal Police Athletic League launches Sunny Isles–Aventura youth program with small participation fees
Summary
IPAL’s executive director described a two-city youth program offering volleyball, basketball, boxing and a free mentorship component; commissioners expressed support and a $500 donation was pledged. Fees and capacity were detailed and staff will follow up on registrations.
Dani Bonini, executive director of the Intracoastal Police Athletic League (IPAL), told the commission the two-city program will provide volleyball, basketball, boxing and a mentorship curriculum that pairs youth with law-enforcement mentors.
Bonini said the athletic classes will be small by design: volleyball and basketball capacity is 35 participants per program, boxing capacity is 15, and the mentorship component is free and bundled with any athletic participation. She described the modest monthly fees as necessary to ensure parental buy‑in and program sustainability: "$50 for boxing and $65 for volleyball and basketball," Bonini said, adding the programs run March through May with plans to expand in summer and fall. She also said IPAL will pay coaches and is organized as a 501(c)(3) and will accept donations.
The presentation prompted questions about resident access and capacity. Staff and Bonini confirmed the program is limited to residents of the two participating cities, registration will be handled through Sunny Isles Beach, and Bonini said she will provide staff with current participant counts via email. Vice mayor and other commissioners praised the city staff’s work to support the launch; one commissioner pledged a $500 donation.
Why it matters: The program combines athletics with a mentorship component run in partnership with police, emphasizing both youth engagement and relationship-building. The commission asked staff to follow up with registration numbers and any additional space or grant needs before expanding the program.
Next steps: Staff will receive registration figures from IPAL and report back to the commission.
