OUR ORGANISATION
Red Roo Sports Management’s core values are loyalty, trust, passion and commitment. We believe that only hard work, when combined with natural ability, leads to success and positive outcomes.
Red Roo Sports is committed to the total development of our young people. Participation in Red Roo Programs is a privilege, not an entitlement and everything we do reinforces values that are the bedrock of successful lives. The ball eventually stops bouncing, and when it does, Red Roo young men and women always move on to bigger and better things. Basketball is the means to an exciting and fulfilling end, not the end in itself.
Red Roo Sports instills excellence in its athletes. Success in all aspects of life is no accident, and must come through hard work, perseverance and responsibility. By embracing our ethic of ‘Achieving Excellence Through Discipline’ Red Roo Sports Athletes develop the tools required to succeed in the most demanding game of all….life
History
Red Roo Sports Management came to life in 2015 after founder, James Kerr, saw an opportunity to give back to his community.
“Outside of my own family,” recalls the Mississippi native, “ I had incredible mentors in my life, growing up. Teachers, pastors, instructors, coaches, all of whom made a huge difference to my life because they truly cared and invested themselves in helping those who wanted help, to become better people. Now living in Melbourne’s south-east, I could see lots of kids that needed the same thing but weren’t getting it. So, with the legacy of my mentors, it was pretty easy to step up and get involved.”
For Mr. Kerr, sport was the obvious connecting point with the youth, and as a passionate basketballer in a basketball-crazy town, he began preparing teams to enter the annual South Sudanese Australia National Basketball Association (SSANBA) tournament. “We entered a single team”, says Kerr, “and while we had a heap of talent, we couldn’t quite get the chocolates. But for both myself and the boys, it lit the fire of chasing success and was the launching pad for everything we have done since then.”
And by ‘everything we have done’, Kerr means win numerous SSANBA titles, and recently dominate the new AAU events being held in Australia.
“Success in our program means winning,” explains Kerr. “Winning on and off the court is my focus, because while basketball, and sport in general, are great fun and worthwhile pursuits, they are a means to an end only. Winning the game of life is no accident, and so, just like sporting success, winning in life comes after preparation, planning, discipline, perseverance and hard work. My hope is that the young men and women who are around Red Roo Sports in any significant capacity learn these facts and apply it to their lives. That is our goal.”
And win, they have, exactly as described by Kerr, ‘on and off the court’. With almost a dozen trophies, multiple championship rings, medallions and plaques, it is attainment of quality educations and progress in lives that Kerr most values.
“I am so proud of those who have come through this program and left it with college educations under their belts, productive jobs, savings accounts, deposits for homes, and responsibilities. That is the measure of success that matters most, and that is winning in life.”
Two Red Roo athletes are currently on Division 1 NCAA Basketball Scholarships. Another 2 are in Junior College, with a handful of others looking to either transfer from their current scholarship, or considering offers for 2021.
“And that’s just the current crop”, Notes Kerr. “We have 7 more young men who are our focus for 2022 and beyond, and ready to add more into that mix as they emerge and demonstrate the talent and the character required. Then of course, we have another close to one dozen who have completed their schooling and are in the workforce or continuing their education.”
Red Roo Sports past is notable, but it is the future that will define it. “We’ve only just begun,” exclaims Kerr. “There has been a lot of trial and error in this process, and we are constantly working to refine programs and people. We have some great things coming down the pipeline.”
Our Values
CONFIDENCE
Red Roo athletes benefit from clear and positive instructions provided by our coaches within a competitive environment. This dynamic approach fosters a conducive atmosphere for skill development, allowing Red Roo members to grow not only in their abilities but also in their confidence. The combination of effective guidance and the challenges presented in a competitive setting contributes to the overall advancement of skills among the athletes.
EDUCATION
In our approach to education, the emphasis lies in developing student-athletes, with “student” being the operative word. We prioritize the holistic growth of individuals, recognizing that academic excellence is fundamental alongside athletic achievements. This philosophy underscores our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who excel not only in their respective sports but also in their academic pursuits.
DISCIPLINE
At the Red Roo, discipline is a core value embraced by all. The members understand that their dedication translates not only into success on the basketball court but also into achievements in various aspects of life. It’s a testament to the rewarding outcomes that stem from their collective hard work and commitment.
RESPECT
Respect is a cornerstone at the Red Roo, where coaches lead with exemplary behavior and unwavering support. Through their actions, coaches cultivate an environment where respect flourishes organically. The high-level basketball training instills a profound sense of respect, not only for the sport but, crucially, for oneself and others. As players undergo rigorous training, they learn the value of perseverance, teamwork, and acknowledging the efforts of both teammates and opponents. This holistic approach to basketball fosters a culture of respect that extends far beyond the court, shaping individuals who carry these principles into their daily lives.
RESPONSIBILITY
Red Roo champions responsibility within a positive and encouraging atmosphere. Members understand that achieving success in both individual basketball skill development and team dynamics hinges on personal accountability. The ethos emphasizes that each member is responsible for their actions, not only during game time but also in their conduct off the court. This commitment to accountability creates a culture where individuals actively contribute to the overall progress of the team, fostering a sense of responsibility that extends beyond the basketball arena.
TOUGHNESS
The Toughness Red Roo sessions are designed to be fast-paced and physically demanding, aiming to cultivate both physical and mental toughness in participants. The intensity of these sessions is complemented by robust positive instruction and encouragement. This approach ensures that athletes not only build resilience but also gain confidence in their abilities. The ultimate goal is to equip them not just for the rigors of basketball but also to face and overcome challenges that lie ahead.
Discipline
It’s easy to do the right thing occasionally. Discipline means doing the right thing repeatedly, until it is second nature. This is how we build a successful student, athlete, and person.
Perserverance
There is nothing easy about achieving what is worthwhile. There will be obstacles, hardships and set-backs. These are learning moments and the natural refinements required. Persistence is mandatory, on every level.
work
Hard work beats talent, when talent fails to work hard. That’s the saying, and it’s a truism that is at the core of Red Roo Sports. Whatever talent comes with players in Red Roo Sports programs, Hard Work will be added.
Hoops247
We would like to thank Hoops247 for their support and we encourage everyone to use their facilities