THE ROAD 2 SUCCESS WORKSHOP
BY TEAM GRS
Youth Basketball & Life Skills Experience (Ages 7–17)
THE ROAD 2 SUCCESS WORKSHOP
BY TEAM GRS
Youth Basketball & Life Skills Experience (Ages 7–17)
The Road 2 Success Workshop is a four-hour youth experience designed to build character, confidence, and leadership through the fundamentals of basketball. Created by Team GRS Non-Profit Organization, this workshop focuses on developing life skills that help young people succeed on and off the court.
Through structured guidance and mentorship, participants learn how basketball training directly connects to real-life success—developing mental toughness, a strong work ethic, coachability, teamwork, sportsmanship (attitude), and goal-setting. These principles help youth make better decisions, stay disciplined, and gain the awareness needed to recognize and avoid negative influences and “traps” along their journey.
Participants engage in interactive activities, guided worksheets, and meaningful discussions that encourage self-reflection, accountability, and goal setting. A motivational guest speaker shares real-life experiences to inspire and connect with the youth, while the basketball segment reinforces discipline, focus, and consistency through fundamental skill development.
CEO and Founder of Team GRS DeAndré F. Austin
Photography by Van Elder (Bullz Eye Production)
The workshop includes:
- Interactive life-skills exercises and reflection worksheets
- A motivational guest speaker
- Lunch is provided for all participants
- Basketball skills and drills focused on fundamentals and game development
- Competitive games and challenges with prizes
The Road 2 Success Workshop also serves as an introduction to Gym Rat Squad’s Interactive Comic Book Curriculum, a six-module series that teaches life lessons through storytelling and sports. This innovative approach engages youth in a way that is relatable, impactful, and easy to apply in everyday life.
Our mission is to empower the next generation with the tools they need to succeed, helping them “Break the Trap” by building strong habits, making positive choices, and surrounding themselves with the right influences.
Guest Speaker – Brian Jones (Former Collegiate & Professional Overseas Basketball Player).
Photography by Van Elder (Bullz Eye Production)
Whether your child is just beginning or already has experience in basketball, this workshop provides a supportive environment where youth can grow, learn, and develop the mindset needed for long-term success.
Photography by Van Elder (Bullz Eye Production)
- The Port of Long Beach for supporting our youth outreach initiative and helping us continue to make a positive impact in the community.
- Tenisha Anderson and the VIP Records Family Foundation for their belief in our mission and continued support for youth empowerment and community engagement.
- Chris Sweeney, CEO & Founder of Right Mealz, and his incredible staff, for generously providing meals and helping create a welcoming, positive experience for our participants and families.
- Tracy Schneider, Director of Community Relations and Player Programs for the Los Angeles Clippers Organization, for her generosity in donating basketballs and supporting our community outreach efforts.
- Vaaron Watts and Brian Jones, CEOs & Founders of Certified by the City, for their partnership, leadership, and commitment to helping us build meaningful community connections.
-
Chris Young and Keion Kindred, Co-Founders of Air West LA Basketball Skills Academy, along with their dedicated trainers, for volunteering their time, knowledge, and basketball instruction during the workshop.
- Van Elder, CEO & Founder of Bullz Eye Production, for volunteering his time and talent to capture photos and video footage that documented and celebrated the success of the event.
- Tom, Jim, and Rick at Kandit Graphics, for doing an amazing job printing the Gym Rat Squad and “The Road 2 Success Workshop” posters.
- The Principal and Vice Principal of Jessie Elwin Nelson Academy for welcoming Team GRS into your school community and supporting our vision of empowering young people through mentorship and education.
- A special thank you to the parents and families who brought their children to the workshop and trusted Team GRS to pour positive knowledge, mentorship, encouragement, and life lessons into their children. Your trust and support mean everything to us.
-
Finally, a very special thank you to Larry, Terry, Terrence, and Shanaira Austin, friends, and all of our volunteers, whose hard work, dedication, and support helped bring this workshop to life.
Thank You for Believing in the Vision.
