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National Academy of Athletics Named a Top 500 Low-Cost Franchise

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news—National Academy of Athletics (NAofA) has been recognized as one of Entrepreneur’s Top 500 Low-Cost Franchises! This honor highlights our commitment to providing an affordable and impactful business opportunity for those passionate about youth sports.

This press release was originally published by AP News on March 12, 2025. Read the original article HERE.

National Academy of Athletics recognized for its affordable, high-impact youth sports franchise model, making Entrepreneur’s Top 500 Low-Cost Franchises list.

SANTA ROSA, CA, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2025 / EINPresswire.com / — The National Academy of Athletics (NAofA), a leader in recreational youth sports programs, has been recognized as one of the Top 500 Low-Cost Franchises by Entrepreneur. This prestigious ranking highlights NAofA’s commitment to providing an affordable, scalable, and impactful business opportunity for entrepreneurs passionate about youth development and sports.

With a mission to make sports accessible, fun, and beneficial for all children, NAofA offers franchisees a proven business model that empowers them to bring high-quality, character-building sports programs to communities nationwide. By focusing on skill development, teamwork, and confidence-building, NAofA not only fosters a love for sports but also helps combat childhood obesity, reduce anxiety, and promote lifelong healthy habits.

“Being recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as a top franchise under $50K is a testament to the strength of our mission and the incredible work of our franchisees. At the National Academy of Athletics, we are passionate about making youth sports accessible while providing an affordable, rewarding, and lucrative business opportunity for those who want to make a difference in their communities. Our first seven franchisees are incredibly passionate about transforming young lives using the power of athletics, and their dedication is what makes this recognition so meaningful. This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to continue growing our impact nationwide,” said Laree Mancour, Partner, Chief Brand, and Franchise Officer at the National Academy of Athletics.

NAofA’s franchise system is designed to be accessible, requiring a lower initial investment compared to traditional franchise models while offering robust support, training, and growth potential. Franchisees benefit from a comprehensive support system that includes 24/7 access to an online intranet for training and resources, hands-on training sessions at the corporate office, and in-field support within their territories. The executive team, led by Founder & CEO Aaron Locks, brings decades of experience and is dedicated to ensuring each franchisee’s success. With a growing presence across the country, NAofA continues to seek franchise partners who are passionate about youth athletics and eager to be part of a mission-driven organization.

As demand for structured and developmentally appropriate youth sports programs continues to rise, NAofA remains dedicated to expanding its reach and providing high-quality athletic experiences tailored for today’s child, ensuring they stay active, engaged, and confident in their abilities.

For more information about the National Academy of Athletics and franchise opportunities, visit naofafranchise.com.

Media Contact:

Carleigh Boling

National Academy of Athletics

carleighb@naofathletics.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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