Why Parks and Recreation Professionals Make Great Youth Sports Franchise Owners
Parks and recreation professionals have always been at the heart of community well-being. At the National Academy of Athletics, we believe your experience building programs, engaging families, and fostering active lifestyles uniquely prepares you to lead a youth sports franchise.
Here’s why your background in recreation makes you an ideal fit.
1. You Already Know What Communities Need
You have built your career creating spaces where families play, grow, and connect. A National Academy of Athletics youth sports franchise allows you to expand that impact by offering high-quality after-school programs, camps, and clinics that align perfectly with your mission to keep communities active.
Your leadership continues to make a difference by helping kids develop confidence, character, and teamwork through sport.
2. You Understand Program Design and Logistics
From field schedules to safety plans, recreation professionals know how to make programs run smoothly.
That experience directly translates to youth sports programs where planning, communication, and organization ensure every participant has a great experience. You have mastered the art of organized fun, which is exactly what our talk.teach.PLAY!® model is all about.
3. You Are Passionate About Health and Inclusion
At the heart of every parks and recreation department is a commitment to wellness, accessibility, and inclusion. Those same values guide NAofA’s mission to make sports available to every child, regardless of background or ability. Your leadership helps us extend that mission to more schools, cities, and families across the country.
4. You Have Deep Local Partnerships
You already know your city, your schools, and your parks better than anyone. As a NAofA franchise owner, you can leverage those relationships to grow a trusted, local youth sports brand that families already recognize and respect.
Our approach complements the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) vision of using recreation as a catalyst for stronger communities.
5. You Believe in the Power of Play
You have seen how play builds confidence, connection, and community.
That belief is the foundation of everything we do at the National Academy of Athletics, helping kids discover who they are through sports.
Owning a youth sports franchise gives you the tools, structure, and support to expand your impact and continue doing what you love on your own terms.
Lead the Change in Your Community
If you are a parks and recreation professional ready to grow your impact, this is your opportunity.
Through the NAofA Community Champions Franchise Giveaway, we are awarding one recreation professional the chance to own a free youth sports franchise with full training and support.
Applications close December 15, 2025.
Learn more and apply today: naofa.info/winafranchise
Legal Disclaimer: No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents in select states, age 21+. Eligible categories include Veterans, educators, and recreation professionals. Subject to official rules and availability. Void where prohibited. Full details: naofa.info/winafranchise
