From Trenton to Burlington City: Finding Accessibility, Community & a Basketball Home

From Trenton to Burlington City: Finding Accessibility, Community & a Basketball Home

Before moving to Burlington City, I really didn’t know what to expect.

Trenton will always be part of who I am. That’s where I’m from, and basketball is a big part of the culture I grew up around. For a long time, I honestly believed Trenton was the city where the real ballers were.

But eventually, as a Deaf father raising my sons, I reached a point where I needed something different for my family.

One of the biggest reasons I moved away from Trenton was accessibility.

While my sons were in the Trenton school system, I often felt that my needs as a Deaf parent were not being properly supported. Getting the appropriate accommodations and communication access I needed as their father became frustrating.

At the same time, I was trying to find the right classroom settings for my sons, and they ended up changing schools while I searched for the best fit for them.

Eventually, I got fed up.

I wanted my sons somewhere they could grow academically, socially and athletically. I also wanted to be somewhere where I could fully participate in their education as their father without constantly having to fight for access.

That brought us to Burlington City.

And since we’ve been here, I’ve seen a lot of good things.

Sports Immediately Caught My Attention

Anybody who knows me knows basketball and football are a big part of my life.

So naturally, I started paying close attention to the youth programs around Burlington.

My sons have had experiences with programs in both Burlington Township and Burlington City.

I have to give credit to Darryl King for the work he is doing with the Burlington Township program. My sons have had good experiences there, and I can see the effort being put into the kids.

But lately, my boys have really started leaning more toward Burlington City, and I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand how involved many of the coaches are.

Coach Mike, Coach Carlos, Coach Man-Man and Coach Champ have all made an impression on me through the recreation league and travel programs.

These coaches aren’t just showing up, rolling a basketball onto the court and letting the kids play.

They are involved.

They coach.

They teach.

And the kids respond to them.

That matters.

I also have to recognize Coach Hunt and the work being done with the middle school basketball program.

There is a large group of young players around here with real potential.

Mr. O and Mrs. O Deserve Their Flowers

Another program that really stood out to me is the O Athletic League.

I have to give a special shout-out to Mr. O and Mrs. O for all the great things they do for the community.

Their summer basketball league is free for Burlington City residents, giving kids an opportunity to play, compete and stay active without families having to worry about a registration fee.

What impressed me even more is that it goes beyond basketball.

They also have a STEM program every Thursday, and my sons really enjoyed it and benefited greatly from it.

That’s the type of thing I love to see.

Basketball may bring kids through the door, but education, mentorship, structure and positive activities can help prepare them for life.

There are so many things available to help keep kids active, involved and away from the streets.

I can say the same thing about football too.

Since moving here, I’ve seen how sports can really become part of the community and give young people something positive to look forward to.

Most Importantly, My Sons Are Doing Well

Sports are important to us, but education comes first.

One of the biggest things I appreciate since moving here is seeing my sons doing well within the Burlington school system.

And personally, one of the things that means the most to me is that the school system has been much more supportive of my needs as a Deaf father.

Being able to participate in my children’s education with the proper access makes a difference.

Parents need to be involved.

And Deaf parents should have the same opportunity to communicate, participate and advocate for their children as anyone else.

That alone has made this move meaningful for me.

Wait… Burlington City Can REALLY Ball

Now let me get back to basketball. 😂

Coming from Trenton, I used to think:

Trenton is where the ballers are.

I’ve been around basketball my entire life. I’ve seen all different types of players, from young kids all the way through college-level athletes.

But the more basketball I watch around Burlington City, the more I have to give this city its respect.

Burlington City can BALL.

There are some serious young players developing here, and the amount of talent I’m starting to notice has definitely caught my attention.

I’m seeing more and more good players in the city.

Players with size.

Players who can shoot.

Players who can defend.

Players with athleticism.

And most importantly, players with potential.

That’s one reason I’ve been writing more about Burlington City basketball lately.

I see something here.

And when I see young players with potential, the coach in me immediately starts thinking about development.

I’m hoping to eventually put together some basketball clinics where I can work with some of these young players, share what I know and help them improve their games.

Maybe We Should Rename It Basketball City 😁

I can’t predict exactly where life will take my family.

But right now, it looks like Burlington City may be home for a while.

My sons will be entering seventh and eighth grade this September, and they are at an important stage of their lives.

As their father, I want them surrounded by education, sports, mentors, positive coaches and people who genuinely care about young people succeeding.

So far, Burlington City has given us a lot of that.

Sometimes you move somewhere because you feel like you need a change.

Then later, you realize the move may have put you exactly where you needed to be.

For me, this move started with wanting better accessibility and a better situation for my sons.

Now I’m finding community, opportunity, sports, education and a place where my boys can continue to grow.

And with all the basketball talent I’m starting to see around here…

Maybe we need to stop calling it Burlington City.

😂🏀 Basketball City might fit a little better.

— De’Angelo Brown | Def Familia