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Enhancing Waterford Youth Sports: New Partnership Brings Fresh Opportunities

Waterford, MI – September 17, 2024 – 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.

Brad McAlear, the Area Captain and Franchise Owner for the Oakland County, Michigan territory, is leading this initiative with a rich background in both the corporate world and youth sports coaching. McAlear’s impressive career spans nearly two decades in Operations, Corporate Safety & Security, and Marketing. For the past five to six years, he has dedicated himself to coaching his own children in various sports including soccer, basketball, baseball, and flag football. His commitment to coaching has left a significant impact, with parents and children from other teams often expressing their hope that he would be their coach in the following year.

McAlear expresses his enthusiasm for the new partnership, saying, “We’re thrilled to team up with the Waterford Parks & Recreation Department to offer more opportunities for kids to engage in sports and lead active lives. Our goal is to provide a fun, non-competitive setting where children can explore different sports, develop their skills, and discover the activities they’re passionate about.”

What sets the National Academy of Athletics apart from other youth sports programs is its commitment to building life-long skills through sports. NAofA’s programs emphasize not only athletic skill development but also crucial life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience. NAofA takes pride in its NAofA Certified Coaches, who undergo thorough certification training to ensure the highest standards of coaching excellence.

A cornerstone of NAofA’s approach is its trademarked teaching method: talk.teach.PLAY!®. Founder & CEO, Aaron Locks developed the talk.teach.PLAY!® method inspired by legendary coach John Wooden and other top sports leaders. This approach, with its engaging 15-minute cycles, keeps kids attentive and active by alternating between learning, practicing, and playing, ensuring they retain skills and have more fun.

Since its founding in 2012, the National Academy of Athletics has become a trusted choice for families seeking top-notch sports experiences for their children. Through this partnership with the City of Waterford, NAofA and Waterford Parks & Recreation aim to broaden access to quality sports programs, supporting the development of young athletes in a nurturing and enthusiastic environment.

About the National Academy of Athletics 
The National Academy of Athletics is a premier provider of youth sports programs committed to enriching children’s lives through active sports participation. Emphasizing fun, skill enhancement, and character development, NAofA offers various sports programs tailored to engage young athletes of various ages and skill levels. With a mission to foster positive mental and physical growth in youth, NAofA ensures sports are enjoyable while imparting essential life skills. By training and certifying coaches, NAofA creates an enthusiastic environment where kids can develop a love for sports. Since its establishment in 2012, NAofA has become a trusted choice for families seeking top-notch sports experiences for their children.

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JOSH WALKER

3 weeks ago

NA of A is filled with great mentors, and coaches. It truly makes me feel positive knowing the culture here has an impact on our players enhancing their skillset, mindset and overall health. Na of A especially makes it easier for me as a coach for when I am provided with all the proper equipment and gear to ensure the children/players have everything they need in order to play hard and have fun!

Trip Dixon

2 weeks ago

Aaron and his team are absolutely top notch and have a genuine passion for teaching kids’ valuable life skills through sports and play. They’ve developed a program that fills the gap in many communities for youth sports that isn’t focused on hardcore competition and crazy travel schedules. You’re awesome. Great job NAofA!

Eve Given

3 months ago

Aaron Locks, founder of the National Academy of Athletics, has revolutionized youth sports development with his exceptional leadership and vision. His program provides an unmatched combination of skill-building, confidence development, and pure fun that keeps children engaged and excited about athletics. Aaron’s dedication to creating positive experiences is evident … More

Nick Raffensperger

a month ago

Starting our journey as a new franchisee with the National Academy of Athletics has been an absolutely phenomenal experience, and it’s all thanks to the incredible support from Aaron Lock and his dedicated team! From the initial onboarding to ongoing guidance, they have been nothing short of exceptional.
Aaron’s leadership and the team’s expertise have made the process seamless and truly empowering. They’ve provided comprehensive training, answered every question with patience and clarity, and made me feel like a valued part of the NAofA family from day one. Their commitment to franchisee success is evident in every interaction. I feel fully equipped and incredibly excited to grow our NAofA business, knowing I have such a strong and supportive network behind me. Five stars aren’t enough!

Sol

2 weeks ago

NAofA organized a Pickleball Camp in San Anselmo summer of 2025. My son and his friend attended and had a terrible experience. Due to this and the icky response from the owner of the camp, I highly recommend avoiding it.
First, while we
 were told to arrive at 8:45, on the first day but the instructor arrived at 9. I called to inform the office and the owner (Ben) about the missing instructor, he told me that he would call her to find out what was the matter (she showed up not only after to let us all into the court). When I wrote to him and mentioned the lateness as part of the reason we would not be returning, he surprised me by retorting that he had “proof” she wasn’t late- until I reminded him about my phone call to him.
They have a “password” system to protect the kids, but the instructor hands you the pickup form when you arrive (which has the code written on it) so it’s pointless. Furthermore, When I arrived to pick up my kid, the instructor was rushing off to try and get a couple of the kids who had left the court entirely on their own.
My son and his friend were bullied by another kid throughout the day. Despite the “anti bully” policy, the kid was invited back the next day.
The kids told me that no instruction was provided at all about pickleball. They were given balls and rackets and there were no other activities or involvement to keep them engaged. When they asked to take a break because they were hot, the woman told them they had to keep playing. When I informed the owner about this behavior, he retorted that it was their policy and that many kids were “struggling to participate” that day which is why she refused the breaks.
This doesn’t seem like a camp that’s all that motivated to keep kids engaged or having fun, and the defensive/gaslighting responses of the director suggests that it’s not run in a way that promotes safety or fun, or holds its own instructors accountable.
It’s don’t recommend the Pickleball Camp at all, and wouldn’t trust their other programs.

Eve Given

3 months ago

Aaron Locks, founder of the National Academy of Athletics, has revolutionized youth sports development with his exceptional leadership and vision. His program provides an unmatched combination of skill-building, confidence development, and pure fun that keeps children engaged and excited about athletics. Aaron’s dedication to creating positive experiences is evident … More

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