Belmont families rally to save longtime CYO basketball program
Families involved with the Our Lady of Mount Carmel CYO basketball program say they were given no warning, no explanation and no opportunity to fight the decision before learning the program would end immediately.
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A youth basketball program that many families in Belmont call a lifeline has been abruptly shut down, leaving parents and players scrambling for answers.
Families involved with the Our Lady of Mount Carmel CYO basketball program say they were given no warning, no explanation and no opportunity to fight the decision before learning the program would end immediately.
“The CYO basketball program is no longer. It will be terminated effective immediately,” the church pastor wrote in an email sent to families.
Parents say the message offered no explanation for the closure.
For Dawn Capalbi, whose two sons played in the program, the news was devastating. While her older son has aged out of the league, her 11-year-old was still playing for the team.
“My little one found out and his exact words were, ‘The father says he loves us, but look what he’s doing,’” Capalbi said.
Families say the program represented far more than basketball. In a neighborhood where crime remains a concern, parents describe the gym as a safe space that kept children occupied after school and away from negative influences.
Joseph Capalbi, a former player, said he still thinks about his teammate and friend, 14-year-old Jacob Borbin, who was killed in 2022 after becoming involved with the wrong crowd during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns.
“When COVID shut it all down, my friend Jacob passed away due to gang violence, and he was my best friend,” Joseph Capalbi said.
Parents say the program taught players discipline, communication and accountability. Student athletes were also expected to maintain good grades in school.
With limited after-school activities available in the area, families worry that children could now lose a positive outlet.
“I would feel sad,” said 11-year-old player Gaetano Capalbi. “I’d probably be stuck on video games, just playing with my friends instead of going out there on the court and playing.”
Community members have launched a petition urging church leaders to reconsider the decision and reinstate the program. As of Thursday, more than 500 people had signed it.
