Professional Baseball Player, J.J. Newman, Partners with the NAofA to Produce 5-Day Video Series of Skills & Drills!
J.J. Newman takes from his professional baseball experience to create 5-Day pre-recorded Skills and Drills Videos for kids. The NAofA has created these resources for kids to be able to partake in the sports camp experience while practicing safe behaviors during COVID-19.
NAofA CAMPS DURING COVID-19
May 22,2020- The National Academy of Athletics continues to provide Virtual Sports Programs to kids amidst the current constraints brought on by COVID-19. It is a priority of the NAofA to help kids discover happy and healthy lifestyles through youth sports. It didn’t take long for the organization to create a method allowing kids to train safely from their own homes.
Aaron Locks, CEO and founder of the NAofA, knew the stay-at-home orders in California would put traditional NAofA camps on hold. Aaron was determined to find the best alternative that could reach communities all over. His team of certified coaches, many of whom are former college and professional athletes, did not hesitate to help accomplish this task. Aaron and his team are committed to releasing virtual camps for every type of kid and athlete.
J.J’s PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Former professional baseball player, J.J. Newman, shares this same passion of bringing positive change to kids’ lives through youth sports.
J.J. graduated from Erskine College and during his senior season he led the league in home runs, RBI’s, and doubles. From his college career, he was drafted by the New York Mets where he played professionally from 2006-2011. After that, not only was he part of the NY Met organization, but he was also a player for Team USA of Military Baseball.

Aside from his extensive baseball career, J.J. is greatly involved with his community. For this reason, it was no surprise that J.J. decided to do something to help during this pandemic. The Virtual Sports Camp he created is representative of the knowledge he has acquired from playing baseball from the age of five up through his professional career.
WHY PARTNER WITH THE NAofA?
J.J quoted, “The biggest thing I’ve learned over my entire career is to treat every playing opportunity likes it’s your last. Every chance you get to practice, make it your best. Every chance you get to compete, leave it all out on the field. In order to play like that, you have to love what you do.”
He continued, “That’s what really resonates between myself and the National Academy of Athletics. To play hard and have fun is the simple quote that truly encompasses exactly how I’ve treated my entire career.” The Virtual Sports Camp J.J made is designed to help kids love the game of baseball as much as he does.
About the NAofA:
National Academy of Athletics is on a mission to bring youth sports to kids throughout the nation. Above all, they use sports to promote positive mental and physical development.
Youth sports build skills such as teamwork, leadership, and responsibility. They also teach important life lessons such as competition, perseverance and sportsmanship. In addition, this active lifestyle contributes to the fight to diminish childhood obesity. These benefits are brought to kids through NAofA programs that will boost their self-esteem and confidence.
If you would like more information on the topic, or to schedule an interview with Aaron Locks, please call 866-90-SPORT or email info@naofa.us.