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THE BEST OF BUSINESS 2019

2.21.2020
PRESS RELEASE
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF ATHLETICS IS SELECTED THE BEST OF BUSINESS 2019

sbca logonational academy of athletics logo

The Small Business Community Association selected the National Academy of Athletics as the BEST OF BUSINESS 2019 award winner for Santa Rosa, CA.

In recognition of the efforts that the National Academy of Athletics provides to the youth in the communities they serve, the SBCA is proud to award this honor to their leadership, staff and support team.

The National Academy of Athletics provides kids between the ages of 4 – 14 with healthy activities by partnering with municipalities, recreation districts, schools, leagues and youth sports organizations. From daily physical education classes, coaches training programs, player development and parent education the Academy is recognized as a leader in youth sports.

Company CEO and founder, Aaron Locks, says it best, “This is what happens when you surround yourself with a great team of people who care so much about the kids and their community. I am filled with gratitude today for sure, but the best is yet to come!”

Just as the Small Business Community Association is dedicated to helping small business succeed, the National Academy of Athletics is passionate about creating healthier youth sports and athletic experiences for children.

Through Aaron’s leadership and willingness to do the little extra things to help the kids, they are making a difference. Each day, through motivation, inspiration and perspiration, their staff works hard to bring out a positive change in the kids and their local community.

Local Little League board member and School PTA President, Donna Prak, local believes: “The National Academy of Athletics has become an instrumental part of our community. Both in our leagues and our schools, the kids not only get exercise and develop skills, they are creating healthy habits that will serve them well as they go through life.”
Locks is the first to share the credit with his team. He also uses daily reminders from his mentor, Legendary Basketball Coach John Wooden: “It is amazing how much can be accomplished when no one cares who received the credit.”

DOWNLOAD ARTICLE PDF: SBCA award

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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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