Sports with the Force connects Willoughby police, youth at West End YMCA
Jan 14, 2025
The Lake County YMCA has teamed up with the Willoughby Police Department for a monthly event called Sports with the Force that encourages kids to enjoy friendly competition and community connection.
Sports with the Force welcomes all youth ages 6 to 14 to come play with police personnel. A variety of sports, such as volleyball, basketball, wiffle ball and dodgeball, will be offered, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
For families with younger children, ages 2 to 5, a dedicated area will be set up where parents can supervise and engage their little ones while the older kids participate in the main activities.
Sports with the Force is a program which encourages kids to participate in sporting activities with local law enforcement at the West End YMCA in Willoughby. (Courtesy of T Star Productions)
This program is designed to foster inclusivity and fun for the whole family, creating a positive and engaging community experience.
According to a news release, this initiative aims to create a welcoming space where youth and families can interact with local officers in a positive and meaningful way. By playing together, participants and officers can break down barriers, build trust and strengthen the sense of community in Willoughby and beyond.
“Sports with the Force embodies our YMCA mission of bringing people together to grow stronger as a community,” said Kevin Sraj, branch executive director of the West End YMCA. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with the Willoughby Police Department to create this fun and impactful program.”
Sports with the Force encourages kids to participate in sporting activities with the help of law enforcement personnel at the West End YMCA. (Courtesy of T Star Prouctions)
On the first Sunday of the month, from 10 a.m. to noon, this free event is open to the entire community.
Willoughby Police Community Involvement Officer Ross Shirey said the first event held on Jan. 5 was a ton of fun, and he thinks it has great potential moving forward.
“I know some agencies run a Police Athletic League, but I wanted something simpler,” Shirey said. “I contacted Kelly Penzenik, director of marketing and communications at the Lake County YMCA, to gauge her interest, and she was on board immediately. We met in mid-December and hit the ground running with additional dates planned for February, March and April.”
“While we’ve been making minor adjustments and adding small touches along the way, we really believe we’ve created something special,” he added.
Shirey said most kids don’t have a lot of opportunities to hang out with police, especially out of uniform and in this type of environment. Most of the Willoughby-Eastlake students have DARE in fifth grade, but officers are in uniform and teaching in a classroom.
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“Personally, I think sports has this way of creating connections amongst people from all over,” Shirey said. “Whether in the YMCA gym or a pro stadium packed with fans, sports are a powerful force for bringing people together and that’s really what it’s all about.”
Penzenik, who is the Lake County YMCA director of marketing and communication, said the police department’s vision mirrors the YMCA’s so the match was ideal.
“The Willoughby Police Department’s vision to align with their community is exactly what the Lake County YMCA does on a daily basis so this partnership was a no-brainer,” Penzenik said. “All we did was simply working together to put on a series of great events that bring everyone together to foster relationships and build community.
“Sport with the Force is more than just a game — it’s an opportunity for our community to connect with the police officers who serve and protect us,” she added. “By engaging in friendly competition and teamwork, we break down barriers and build relationships based on trust and understanding.”
Penzenik stressed the program brings the Willoughby Police Department and local youth together in a positive, interactive environment that fosters mutual respect and helps create a foundation for a stronger, more united community.
“Through Sport with the Force, young people and police officers interact in a setting that promotes collaboration, fun and communication,” Penzenik said. “It’s a chance to see the human side of law enforcement while celebrating the shared values of teamwork and community spirit.
“Programs like Sport with the Force highlight the commitment of the YMCA and the Willoughby Police Department to nurturing positive relationships with our youth. These experiences help build trust that can last a lifetime, creating a safer, more connected community.”
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