In this inspirational episode of the Chop Shop Show, hosts Daryl "EZDZ" Newton, Greg "AKA Ruff" Doss, and Waldo "Dade City" Woodard welcome DurRell Peterson, founder of Rello Runs Academy, to talk about faith, discipline, sports, and the power of youth mentorship. DurRell opens up about how his passion for youth development and sports led him to build an academy focused on more than just athletic skill—it's about life skills, team dynamics, and character development.
Rello Runs Academy, based in Riverview, Florida, offers skill development in basketball, speed, agility, and even a homeschool P.E. program in collaboration with local schools. But the academy goes beyond sports—DurRell and his wife (his biggest supporter and co-founder) created a space where children are coached in teamwork, confidence, and leadership. Their guiding belief is that every child has God-given potential, not just to succeed individually but to uplift those around them.
DurRell shares the journey of starting the academy four years ago—from modest beginnings with flyers and limited turnout to a thriving program known for quality instruction and deep community ties. He also reflects on navigating today's over-involved parents, the importance of earning trust, and helping both kids and parents grow through the athletic experience. The crew digs into the challenges of coaching in the age of social media, entitlement, and flashy highlight culture, stressing the value of discipline and fundamentals.
In classic Chop Shop fashion, the conversation blends laughter with real talk. The group discusses uniforms, celebrations, and the "too cool to play defense" era. DurRell emphasizes the value of being a "valued member on a collaborative team with an inspiring mission"—a mantra he lives by and teaches daily. The discussion also tackles the business of youth sports, affordability, and access, with DurRell explaining how his academy balances cost, quality, and inclusivity through smart pricing and participation in Florida's Step Up scholarship program.
The episode ends with heartfelt reminders about community impact, making youth sports sustainable, and staying focused on mentorship over money. DurRell's story is a blueprint for building something meaningful while keeping faith and family at the center.
Chapters & Timestamps
00:00 – Intro & Guest Welcome
01:45 – The Origin of Rello Runs Academy
04:00 – Coaching Philosophy & Vision
06:00 – Academy Programs & Offerings
08:30 – Coaching Today's Youth: Ego vs. Confidence
12:00 – Role of Parents in Youth Sports
15:00 – Confidence, Growth & Player Development
18:00 – Discipline, Defense & Old-School Values
22:00 – Pricing, Access & Step Up Program
26:00 – Social Media Pressure & Showboating Culture
30:00 – Parenting, Priorities & Sacrifice
33:00 – From Skills to Mentorship: Coaching the Whole Child
38:00 – Building a Sustainable Academy with Faith & Family
YouTube Tags (max 500 characters)
Rello Runs Academy, DurRell Peterson, Chop Shop Show, youth basketball training, Riverview Florida sports, youth mentorship, coaching kids, sports development, parenting in sports, Step Up scholarship, faith-based sports academy, teamwork, athletic training Florida, sports character development, youth coaching podcast, basketball life skills, family business sports
