A national organization aimed at creating relationships between kids and law enforcement named two people with local ties to its leadership.

The National Police Athletic/Activities League, also known as PAL, appointed Boston native Dr. Stephen M. Coan to be its president and chief executive officer, while former Boston Police Commissioner William Gross was voted on to the organization’s board late last month.

The move comes as the group is hoping to expand its offerings and partnerships.

The organization was started by the New York City police commissioner over 100 years ago, “to connect kids and cops and build respect between them and improve the lives of kids at that time,” Coan said in an interview with the Herald. “Our mission continues to be the same.” Coan previously served as the organization’s executive director and chief operating officer, and currently sits on the New England Commission for Higher Education.

The organization has its foundation in sports but also offers many kinds of activities including those in music, arts, and STEM.

“Many of our PALs have DJ programs, believe it or not,” Coan said.

PAL has about 300 local chapters including PAL of Massachusetts, which is run by Boston Police and the Massachusetts State Police.

Commissioner Gross said he was heavily involved in the local Pal chapter when he was on the force and explained the role it played in improving the relationship between the department and the community.

PAL gives kids the opportunity to learn skills (athletic, artistic executive, organizational) while also allowing officers to step up as role models, he said, and in the process grows a connection between the two.

“We all have work to do, but we’re not the warrior class anymore. It’s all about community engagement, and that doesn’t make you weak,” Gross said, “that makes you stronger.”

Coan noted that 80% of PAL participants report improved relationships with police.

In their new roles in the organization, both Coan and Gross said they were looking forward to new programing, including an initiative that promotes resiliency and personal growth and a partnership with the NFL to offer flag football.

“These are games that will teach kids the skills that are very welcoming to kids who have not traditionally been part of athletic teams,” Coan said. “You can jump in at any skill level, so you don’t need to have, you know, 10 years of hockey from the moment you crawled to play on a team.”

Gross noted that it was programs like PAL which helped him to get where he is today.

“Organized sports programs and initiatives — that’s what got me through,” Gross said. “So, it’s an honor to be on the PAL board, because, again, it’s an opportunity for me to give back and to share my experiences in life.”