Aaron Locks, CEO and Founder of the National Academy of Athletics, leads a movement to make engaging youth sports accessible to all children. With innovative programs, professional coaching, and community partnerships, the organization inspires confidence, teamwork, and life skills in kids nationwide.
-- Aaron Locks, CEO and Founder of the National Academy of Athletics (NAofA), is revolutionizing youth sports by delivering programs that focus on much more than athletic skill. Under his leadership, NAofA has grown into a trusted partner for schools, recreation centers, leagues, and municipalities, offering children across the United States access to high-quality sports opportunities.
Aaron Locks and National Academy of Athletics Transform Youth Sports
With more than 40 years of experience in sports development and mentorship from legends like Coach John Wooden, Magic Johnson, and Pat Riley, Locks has shaped his organization around the idea that sports are a platform for personal growth, resilience, and connection.
“Sports have the power to change lives,” Locks said. “At the National Academy of Athletics, we’re not just teaching kids how to play—we’re giving them tools to succeed on and off the field.”
Expanding Access to Sports for Every Child
Since its inception, NAofA has focused on ensuring sports are accessible to all children, regardless of background, skill level, or financial status. By partnering with local organizations, the academy brings engaging and structured programs to hundreds of communities, enabling kids to develop critical life skills like teamwork, leadership, and perseverance.
The organization’s core values include inclusion, excellence, community, and fun. These principles guide its programs, which are designed to inspire confidence and a love for physical activity while fostering lifelong habits of health, resilience and self-confidence.
A Comprehensive Suite of Programs
The National Academy of Athletics provides a diverse range of programs specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of children in partnership with schools, municipalities, leagues and communities:
- Seasonal Sports Camps: Fun, engaging camps that introduce children to sports fundamentals.
- League Management: Partnering with communities to manage leagues and clinics for youth sports.
- Physical Education Support: Comprehensive, coach-led PE solutions for schools seeking to enhance their curriculum.
- After-School Programs: Structured activities that keep kids active while developing essential skills.
- Franchise Opportunities: Empowering local entrepreneurs to bring NAofA’s proven model to their own communities.
By providing these options, NAofA gives families flexible opportunities to get their kids involved in sports, regardless of their schedules or experience levels.
Why Choose the National Academy of Athletics?
Locks and his team have built NAofA on a foundation of professionalism, innovation, and impact. The organization prioritizes creating a supportive environment where children can thrive, whether they are learning the basics of basketball or participating in advanced leadership development programs.
Some of the standout reasons families and communities trust NAofA include:
- Proven Expertise: Locks brings over four decades of experience, blending traditional values with innovative program design.
- Life-Changing Impact: Beyond athletics, NAofA programs inspire children to discover their potential and build resilience.
- Community Support: Through partnerships with schools, recreation centers, and local organizations, NAofA fosters bonds that benefit entire communities.
“Our programs are about building confidence, both in sports and in life,” Locks said. “We’re here to help kids, parents, coaches, and teachers discover what they’re capable of, one game at a time.”
Stories of Success and Growth
Under Locks’ leadership, NAofA has grown to serve hundreds of communities across the country, leaving a lasting impact on children and families. One success story features a young participant who, after attending several sports camps, gained the confidence to join her school’s basketball team—a step that set her on a path toward personal and academic success.
Locks believes stories like this are a testament to the transformative power of youth sports. “Seeing kids step out of their comfort zones and discover their strengths is what drives everything we do,” he said.
Shaping the Future of Youth Sports
Looking ahead, the National Academy of Athletics is focused on further expanding its reach and impact. Through franchise opportunities, Locks aims to empower local leaders to bring the academy’s programs to their own communities, ensuring that even more children have the chance to benefit from sports.
Whether through camps, after-school programs, or school partnerships, NAofA continues to inspire kids to thrive, creating a legacy of positive change in youth sports.
“We’re just getting started,” Locks said. “Our goal is to bring the joy of sports to every child, no matter where they’re from.”
Franchise Opportunities: Expanding NAofA’s Reach While Empowering Local Entrepreneurs
The National Academy of Athletics franchise program is a powerful platform to expand our impact on kids' lives while providing a rewarding opportunity for business-minded individuals passionate about making a difference. With territories now available across the United States, this franchise model enables entrepreneurs to bring NAofA’s proven programs to their communities.
Here’s what sets NAofA franchise opportunities apart:
- A Proven System: Backed by decades of experience, the NAofA model includes step-by-step systems that simplify operations and set franchisees up for success.
- Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive ongoing guidance in marketing, program management, staffing, and community engagement to help grow their business.
- In-Demand Brand: NAofA’s reputation for quality programs makes it a trusted name in youth sports, giving franchisees a competitive edge in their local markets.
- Impactful Work: Owning a NAofA franchise means running a business that changes lives by helping kids develop skills, confidence, and a love for sports.
"I am so proud, excited, and optimistic about being able to offer NAofA franchises. Our mission is to bring the benefits of youth sports to even more kids and communities nationwide while empowering our franchisees with the tools and support to build a thriving business." — Aaron Locks, Founder of the National Academy of Athletics
As a franchisee, you’ll have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of children while running a business you can be proud of. Territories are filling quickly, so now is the time to join the NAofA family and bring our impactful programs to your community.
For more franchising information, visit: naofa.info/beahero
About the National Academy of Athletics
Founded by Aaron Locks, the National Academy of Athletics provides inclusive, high-quality youth sports programs that inspire confidence, teamwork, and personal growth. Partnering with schools, municipalities, and recreation centers, NAofA offers seasonal sports camps, league management, physical education solutions, and more. With a mission to make sports accessible to all, NAofA is transforming the way communities approach youth athletics.
For more information, visit: naofa.info/programs
Media Contact
Name: Aaron Locks
Title: CEO & Founder
Email: info.naofa.us
Website: National Academy of Athletics
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Name: Aaron Locks
Email: Send Email
Organization: National Academy of Athletics
Website: https://nationalacademyofathletics.com/
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