National Academy of Athletics

Earlier this week, we had the opportunity to tune into the Million Coaches Challenge (MCC) webinar, which highlighted MCC’s core mission: empowering coaches with essential skills and tools to enrich youth sports. The goal? To keep kids engaged, safe, and inspired to develop a lasting love for the game. Check out our blog for more about MCC's mission and our key takeaways from the session! https://buff.ly/3Uu91Ug #millioncoacheschallenge #coachtraining #childdevelopment #youthsportscoach #youthsports #futureofyouthsports #NAofA #PLAYHARDHAVEFUN #TalkTeachPlay

"John Martignoli, an NAofA Franchise owner, joined forces with his camp directors Jarek and Quintin and recreational professionals from CPRS District One for a transformative "Day of Service" at Kennedy Park in Napa, California. The initiative brought together a passionate group of volunteers who worked side by side in a meaningful effort to clean up and beautify the public park. The event was about much more than just physical improvements—it was an opportunity to foster a sense of teamwork, build community connections, and encourage a shared responsibility for public spaces." Head to our blog to read more: https://buff.ly/4fjQZvS #dayofservice #serviceopportunity #localserviceopportunities #napacalifornia #californiaparksandrec #californiaparksandrecreation #NAofA #PLAYHARDHAVEFUN #TalkTeachPlay

"As a parent of two kids who played sports throughout their childhood, I’ve experienced the highs and lows of youth athletics. Sometimes, my kids made the top teams, and other times they played on lower-level teams. While it wasn’t always easy, we stayed positive, ensured they had fun, and encouraged them to compete hard. These experiences weren’t setbacks, but opportunities to build confidence & develop leadership skills. Here are some tips on managing when your child doesn't make the top team.   It’s tough when your child doesn’t make the top team, especially when they’ve worked hard. It can feel unfair, and both you and your child may feel disappointed. However, this is also an important opportunity to help them stay motivated and build confidence." Read more: https://buff.ly/48lZ3tQ #NAofA #PLAYHARDHAVEFUN #TalkTeachPlay #youthsports #youthsportsteams #makingtheteam #cutfromtheteam

Happy National Sports Day! Today, we celebrate the joy of movement, teamwork, and the incredible impact sports have on our lives. Let’s inspire the next generation of athletes to build healthy, happy bodies! #nationalsportsday #NAofA #PLAYHARDHAVEFUN #TalkTeachPlay #youthsportsprograms #youthsportsfranchises

"When I began my youth sports business journey over four decades ago, alongside legendary figures like Coach John Wooden, Magic Johnson, and Pat Riley of the LA Lakers, I could never have imagined the incredible ride it would become. Has it all been easy? Absolutely not. But from the very beginning, I fell in love with my work, and to this day, that passion continues to drive me." Head to our blog to read more from NAofA Founder and CEO, Aaron Locks, reflecting on the NAofA's franchising journey this year. Read more: https://buff.ly/481hHHc #franchiseopportunities #franchiseopportunity #franchisebusiness #franchiseowner #franchisee #franchiseforsale #franchiseinfo #sportsfranchise #youthsportsfranchise #sportsfranchise #NAofA #PLAYHARDHAVEFUN #TalkTeachPlay

"Sometimes the most valuable thing we can do for our kids is nothing at all. As parents, we often feel the need to shield our children from failure or step in when things get difficult. However, helping children learn to fail and get back up again—helping kids learn independence, accountability, and resiliency—can be one of the most critical life lessons they will ever experience." Head to our blog to read more! https://buff.ly/4edI52S #valuablelifeskills #independentkids #teachingkidsindependence #resilientkids #NAofA #PLAYHARDHAVEFUN #TalkTeachPlay

It’s National Youth Sports Week! 🎉 Let’s acknowledge the transformative power of youth sports—from promoting active lifestyles to building self-esteem and teaching resiliency. Together, we’re empowering youth to thrive both on and off the field for many years to come! #nationalyouthsportsweek #youthsportsskills #youthsports #NAofA #PLAYHARDHAVEFUN #TalkTeachPlay

The National Academy of Athletics (NAofA) is proud to announce a new partnership with the City of Waterford. This exciting collaboration is set to offer enhanced sports opportunities for local youth in Waterford, Michigan, promoting active lifestyles and sportsmanship throughout the community. Head to our blog to read more: https://buff.ly/3zlmWo6 #WaterfordMI #Michiganyouth #michigansports #michiganyouthsports #Oaklandcountyyouth #Oaklandcountyyouthsports #oaklandcountysports #NAofA #PLAYHARDHAVEFUN #TalkTeachPlay

Check out our latest blog post written by NAofA Founder and CEO, Aaron Locks on the Importance of Parks and Recreation Departments for Kids. "We have all heard the statement, "It takes a village to raise a child." Well, I believe this is more true now than ever. That being said, we should never underestimate the importance of a robust Parks and Recreation department within any municipality, township, city, or community." Read more here: https://buff.ly/3BdXEIY #nrpa #parksandrecreation #parksandrec #parksandrecreationdepartment #sportsforkids #kidssports #NAofA #PLAYHARDHAVEFUN #TalkTeachPlay

Remembering and honoring those we lost on 9/11. May we continue to be inspired by the courage and unity that emerged from that day. 🇺🇸 #NeverForget #NAofA #PLAYHARDHAVEFUN #TalkTeachPlay