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National Academy of Athletics Partners with City of San Diego Parks and Recreation to Deliver Inclusive Adaptive Sports Programs

This press release was originally published by California News Observer on September 2, 2025. Read the original article HERE.

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES, September 2, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — The National Academy of Athletics (NAofA) has partnered with the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department’s Therapeutic Recreation Services team to launch summer camps offering inclusive, adaptive sports opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities.

The collaboration was designed to provide a safe, welcoming environment where participants of all abilities could experience the joy of movement. Each day included a variety of adaptive sports activities tailored to meet participants where they were, emphasizing not only physical activity but also confidence, connection, and fun.

“The National Academy of Athletics brought an incredible mix of energy, adaptability, and fun to our two summer camps for individuals with disabilities,” said Taylor Askil, CTRS, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with the City of San Diego. “Their team of coaches did a fantastic job tailoring activities to meet our participants’ needs, all while keeping the atmosphere upbeat and engaging. We truly appreciate their commitment to inclusion and enthusiasm, and we’re excited to collaborate with them again in the future.”

NAofA Director of Operations and Programs, Adrian Lawrence, added: “At the heart of what we do is the belief that sports—and the joy of being active—are accessible to everyone. This program reminded us that ability looks different for each person, but fun, laughter, and teamwork are universal. We are deeply grateful to the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department’s Therapeutic Recreation Services team for trusting us with this opportunity and showing us, through their participants, the true power of inclusion.”

This program reflects NAofA’s mission to build healthy bodies and happy hearts by providing youth sports programs that emphasize fun, teamwork, and confidence.

About the National Academy of Athletics
The National Academy of Athletics is on a mission to bring sports to children throughout the nation. We provide recreational youth sports programs designed to promote positive mental and physical development, while building confidence and inspiring kids to play hard and have fun. NAofA partners with schools and municipalities to deliver programs that are accessible, inclusive, and led by trained, NAofA Certified coaches.

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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