![\"Ds](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/663f89be-8fd2-4abc-8385-eafd2b7eb32f.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWith so much basketball talent looking to hit the court at the junior level around Melbourne, it\u2019s paramount that we have inclusive environments where people can feel comfortable developing.<\/p>\n
That is exactly what the team at Red Roo Sports have been doing for the past decade, working closely with the South Sudanese community to help produce great players.<\/p>\n
Speaking to Head Coach Tot Jok, he explained what the program\u2019s purpose is, as well as how creating an inclusive environment has helped players thrive.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like we kind of allow kids to be more expressive of their ability, rather than having to be so x\u2019s and o\u2019s,\u201d Jok said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPretty much you\u2019ll come down here and the expectation is you\u2019ll play to the best of your ability.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Tot Jok<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes you can go to other clubs, and it\u2019s not like you feel like you don\u2019t belong, but there\u2019s not that many people you can relate to.<\/p>\n
\u201cKids can come here and be surrounded by other South Sudanese kids, so they feel comfortable, and when you\u2019re playing basketball, the more comfortable you are in your environment, the better you\u2019re going to play.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not just mucking around here, you\u2019re going to get better, and you\u2019re going to get better with people you\u2019re comfortable with.\u201d<\/p>\n
Through the program, Red Roo, along with their training facility, Hoops 24\/7 in Dandenong South, have helped close to 50 players sign scholarships to play basketball at the collegiate level in America.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
James Kerr, who owns both Hoops 24\/7 and Red Roo, said he is passionate about helping young athletes reach their potential both on and off the court.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of great talent out there\u2026. We\u2019ve put nearly 50 scholarships through Hoops 24\/7 and Red Roo.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we want kids to understand is we want student athletes, we want kids to be good in the classroom and on the court. Our philosophy is excellence over time with discipline equals success.\u201d<\/p>\n
Melbourne United is set to celebrate organisations like Red Roo on Sunday during The Multicultural Game.<\/p>\n
Featuring a free Multicultural Festival from 12pm outside the arena, the entire day will be an awesome showcase of Melbourne\u2019s diversity.<\/p>\n