FOLEY, Ala. - The Foley City Council unanimously approved a request Monday to put forth $1,440 to fund a basketball program to benefit local "at-risk" children.

Foley High School head basketball coach Shumbe Hunter said at the council work session the program would be tailored for kids ages 11-18 years old and would be a "structured mentorship."

"It would be implemented through the game of basketball," Hunter said, noting it would include teaching leadership skills and positive lessons to children who might not have a male role model in their lives.

The program would cost $1,440, Hunter told the council, and the council responded positively to the program but had a few questions.

Foley Mayor John Koniar asked how many kids could be accommodated within the $1,440 budget, and Hunter said 50-60 is a reasonable goal.

"I don't want to turn anyone away, but for that direct attention I think 60-70," he said.

Councilman Charles Ebert III asked if there was interest from local children or advertising for the program, and Hunter said there are avenues possible to let the community know.

"The guys I coach during the season are the ones I'll have going into the community and talking to parents," he said, noting there is a basketball camp held at FHS that could also be a medium for advertising the program.

David Thompson, city recreation director, said the baseball closing ceremonies would happen this week and around 300 kids could hear about the new program.

Basketball locker room upgrade request

Hunter also requested the city help with fund locker room and gymnasium improvements for the basketball team.

Hunter said the locker room area is too small and the players are "shoulder to shoulder."

"It needs to be expanded, whether it's for viewing film, (during) half time or just lounging around," Hunter said, noting he wants to clean the area up and a major reason for the improvements is to raise team morale among the players.

He also requested for the gymnasium to be re-painted to allow for a better presentation for a number of events.

Ebert asked if Hunter made the same request for financial support to FHS principal Russ Moore or FHS athletic director Todd Watson, and Hunter said he has not received any statement of support. Other council members also mentioned asking local businesses for financial support.

"I think the $1,440 for the (basketball mentorship) program is a good thing," Koniar said. "I don't think the city should fully fund (the gymnasium and locker room improvements)."

After Hunter made his request, Paige Rucker, Project Rebound state director, mentioned the organization was funding summer programs and could help fund part or all of the basketball mentorship program. Project Rebound is an organization that helps residents affected by the British Petroleum oil spill.

Koniar finished the discussion at the work session by saying the city would agree to put forth $1,440 for the basketball mentorship program, and if Project Rebound funds part or all of the program, anything left over from the city would go towards the gymnasium and locker room improvements.

The improvements to the gymnasium and locker room would cost around $3,500, Hunter said.

When asked if Project Rebound would fund the program, Rucker said she is "looking into it."