One of the most well-known youth basketball teams in Pacifica could look quite different this winter, or even cease to exist altogether.
Registration for 2026-2027 St. Peter’s CYO basketball season is on hold as the program evaluates how newly established eligibility requirements will affect its players and families.
The revised rules no longer consider Pacifica residency or attendance at a neighborhood school as factors for determining eligibility, St. Peter’s CYO coach Johnny Harrington said in a statement on Wednesday.
St. Peter’s pastor, Rev. Jerry Foley, and his advisory committee are considering whether to continue with the CYO program if the new requirements would exclude a majority of its current players.
“This season, we already anticipated an increase in registration fees by parish leadership of $25 to offset higher program costs,” Harrington said in a statement Wednesday.
Families whose players do not participate in religious activities at St. Peter’s or hold a Boys and Girls Club membership could face another $50 in costs under the new arrangement.
A Boys and Girls Club membership has an existing $50 annual membership fee.
The potential increase has also raised questions about the program’s future.
If a majority of the players are excluded, Harrington says Foley is “uncomfortable continuing with CYO,” which could mark the end of the basketball program.
The program is currently asking families for feedback to estimate how many players would be affected by the new policy, Harrington said.
The St. Peter-Pacifica Celtics compete in the San Francisco CYO league, with boys and girls teams ranging from third through eighth grade. The teams hold practices and home games at St. Peter’s Parish in Pacifica.
The Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) operates youth sports programs through Catholic parishes and schools.