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Wake County Franchise

National Academy of Athletics Expands to Wake County, North Carolina with New Franchise Owner Quincy McKinney Jr.

This press release was originally published by CBS17 on March 18, 2026. Read the original article HERE.

 

National Academy of Athletics (NAofA), a leading franchise-based youth sports organization offering recreational multi-sport programs for children ages 3 to 14, announced the opening of its newest franchise location serving Wake County, North Carolina. The location will be owned and operated by Area Captain Quincy McKinney Jr., a passionate youth sports advocate committed to expanding access to quality athletic programming throughout the greater Raleigh community.

 

NAofA’s programs are designed to introduce young athletes to a variety of sports in a fun, supportive, and developmentally appropriate environment. With a focus on skill-building, confidence, and character development, the organization has grown its franchise network across the country, reaching thousands of families each year.

 

Coach McKinney brings a deep personal connection to youth sports and a drive to create meaningful opportunities for young people in Wake County. He shared his enthusiasm for this new chapter:

 

“I’m honored to step into the role of Area Captain for Wake County with the National Academy of Athletics. Youth sports have played a major role in my life, and I’m passionate about creating opportunities for young athletes to grow, build confidence, and develop through sports. I’m excited to work with families, schools, and community partners to expand youth sports programs and help continue the mission of building healthy bodies and happy hearts throughout our community.”

 

NAofA Founder and CEO Aaron Locks welcomed Coach McKinney to the NAofA family:

 

“The Raleigh area is gaining an incredible leader in Coach McKinney as he steps into his role as the new National Academy of Athletics franchisee for the region. His passion for helping young athletes grow through sports aligns perfectly with our mission to build healthy bodies and happy hearts. We are excited to support him as he brings more youth sports opportunities to families across the local community.”

 

Families in Wake County interested in registering their children for upcoming programs, or community partners looking to collaborate, are encouraged to reach out to learn more about program offerings and enrollment opportunities: naofa.info/wake-county

 

About National Academy of Athletics

National Academy of Athletics (NAofA) is a franchise-based youth sports organization dedicated to providing high-quality recreational multi-sport programs for children ages 3 to 14. Operating across 10 states, NAofA is committed to its core mission of building healthy bodies and happy hearts by giving every child the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of sports in a welcoming, positive environment. For more information, visit www.nationalacademyofathletics.com.

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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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