National Academy of Athletics Youth Sports Programs & Camps

National Academy of Athletics Youth Sports Programs & Camps offers youth sports programs, camps, clinics, after-school enrichment, recreation services, recreational leagues, physical education, school break camps, and weekend clinics. Children take part in sports and activities such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, flag football, lacrosse, pickleball, baseball, softball, cheerleading and cheer, agility training, all-sport, R.S.V.P, rugby, and dodgeball.

• Ages: 3–14 years old

The National Academy of Athletics was founded in 2012. Its mission statement says that it was founded on the belief that sports have the ability to change lives and that its mission is to help every child develop confidence, character, resilience, and communication skills through meaningful, well-designed sports experiences. The organization uses an expert-designed curriculum, positive and character-based coaching, a safety-first approach, behavior-positive coaching, and age-appropriate progressions, and offers age-appropriate programs for ages 3–6 and 6–14. Programs are offered as summer camps, after-school enrichment, school break camps, and weekend clinics, and include more than 12 sports and multi-sport options.

The program’s staff includes certified, fingerprinted coaches, and NAofA Coach Certification training includes safety, communication, positive coaching, and fingerprinting. NAofA Coach Certification includes elevated safety standards and a robust social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum. The organization states that it is a national leader in recreational youth sports programs and uses a professional curriculum, a certified coaching model, and proven safety systems.

The National Academy of Athletics partners with cities, schools, recreation departments, and community organizations to deliver youth sports programs and recreation services. It is a youth sports program provider for schools and city recreation centers, offers city, school, and league partnerships, and provides physical education in more than 60 schools. Franchise owners operate territories nationwide using NAofA systems, curriculum, and coaching models, with local leadership in every territory and locations listed across multiple states and counties. The organization describes its services as turnkey youth sports solutions that can include full outsourcing of registration, equipment, staffing, curriculum, supervision, safety, and reporting, and notes that these solutions are intended to reduce staff burden while increasing participation and community engagement.

The National Academy of Athletics reports that it is trusted by more than 300 schools and cities and has served more than 1 million kids. Its slogans include “Building Healthy Bodies and Happy Hearts®,” “Play Hard. Have Fun.,” and “Make your child’s life, an active life. Encourage meeting new friends. Advocate a life without limits. Get Active. Live Life.” The leadership team information notes Aaron Locks as the founder of the National Academy of Athletics, references Aaron Lock as providing support to franchisees, and mentions an Executive Team.

Multiple testimonials describe experiences with the National Academy of Athletics and its leadership. One review from Nick Raffensperger, verified by Trustindex as a Google review, describes strong support, comprehensive training, and guidance from Aaron Lock and his team for franchisees. Another review from O’neil Luscombe, also verified by Trustindex as a Google review, states that the CEO’s passion for helping kids is inspiring. A review from Trip Dixon, verified by Trustindex as a Google review, states that Aaron and his team have a genuine passion for teaching kids’ life skills through sports and play and that the program fills a gap for youth sports that are not focused on hardcore competition and travel schedules. A review from Josh Walker, verified by Trustindex as a Google review, describes NAofA as having great mentors and coaches and notes that coaches are provided with equipment and gear for children and players. A review from Zoya Lehrer, verified by Trustindex as a Google review, describes Aaron as generous and states that his mission is clear and that organizations partnering with him stand to gain benefit. A review from Sandra Schwarzbauer, verified by Trustindex as a Google review, calls it a great place for children where children can practice their sport. A review from Eve Given, verified by Trustindex as a Google review, credits Aaron Locks with revolutionizing youth sports development and describes the program as combining skill-building, confidence development, and fun, with coaches who emphasize technical skills and life lessons. A review from Deanna Chumacero, verified by Trustindex as a Google review, states that leaving a long day of learning with motivation and inspiration was meaningful, though the quote is truncated in the source.

Last updated May 11, 2026.