Lance Martin, Herald Senior Staff Writer

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WELDON — It is a youth league whose success hinges on community involvement.

That’s what has made Weldon Community League Basketball work as it goes into its third year Jan. 24.

“I like seeing the kids have a good time on Saturdays instead of sitting around home or getting in trouble,” said Alfreda Jones, office manager of 2UIO Home Health Services, which has been a sponsor of the league for children 8 through 12 since its inception.

That was the purpose of the league from the start, said Lt. James Avens of the Weldon Police Department, who started the league three years ago. “It’s given the police department the opportunity to build a rapport with the community and help in the community,” he said.

The program involves not only the police department but the school system and the businesses, which have bought uniforms, water coolers and balls. “Anything the kids need. It’s an outreach for the police department,” Avens said yesterday.

As the league prepares to get under way for a new year, Avens said organizers need as many volunteers as possible and welcomes business sponsors, which have included 2UIO, Mystique Management and Ward’s Tax Service.

Avens has been surprised by the success of the league, which had more than 100 children come last year and 42 the first year, when it was limited to boys only.

The league is intended to help children develop basketball skills by learning fundamentals such as dribbling, layups and free throws along with  defensive skills.

The children get the chance to play against other teams, last year from Rich Square and Garysburg.

Avens, who has volunteered in midget football, saw the basketball program as a natural extension, to give the children something to do after football. He also saw it as a way to give the police department some positive exposure. “Police officers don’t always get a favorable image in the public eye,” he said. “We’re changing that image because we do care. Our jobs are more than taking people to jail. It’s community policing, building a rapport.”

Planning this year’s league, where practices and scrimmages are held at the Weldon High School gym, have been going well, Avens said. “I invite anyone who can come out to do so. We’re looking for volunteers.”

The volunteers who have helped in the past have enjoyed doing it, Avens said. “They’ve just been able to give back.”

Police Chief Mark Macon said he has been pleased with Avens’s efforts to make the league a success. “We’d like to see more parental support,” he said. “More parental involvement.”

Anyone interested in volunteering or anyone interested in having their children participate may call Avens at 536-3136.