The NAofA Community Champions Franchise Giveaway
Created to recognize and reward the true MVPs in our communities, those who go above and beyond to make a lasting impact in the lives of children. The National Academy of Athletics will proudly honor
THREE COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS – one educator, one recreation professional, and one military veteran
by awarding them their very own youth sports franchise.
Your chance to own a franchise is here!
Grab your chance and apply today.
Why Educators Make Ideal
NAofA Franchise Owners
Educators are uniquely positioned to thrive as NAofA franchisees. Our youth sports programs are run in partnership with schools across the country and who knows the school system better than you? With your firsthand experience, strong relationships with local families, and deep understanding of how to engage and inspire children, you have everything it takes to successfully launch and grow a National Academy of Athletics franchise in your community.
Why Recreation Professionals Make Outstanding NAofA Franchise Owners
Recreation professionals are perfectly suited to own a National Academy of Athletics franchise. Our youth sports programs are delivered in partnership with municipalities and parks and recreation departments across the United States. With your insider knowledge of how to navigate local government systems, strong community relationships, and experience organizing youth programs, you’re uniquely equipped to bring NAofA’s mission to life in your community. You’re not just a great fit you’re the ideal candidate to lead the way in building healthier, more active kids through sports.
Why Veterans Make Exceptional
NAofA Franchise Owners
Veterans are natural leaders, community protectors, and trusted role models, making them ideal candidates to own a National Academy of Athletics franchise. Your background gives you a unique ability to build trust and open doors with schools, municipalities, and families in your community. NAofA provides a powerful way to continue your service by delivering youth sports programs that promote health, confidence, and teamwork. It’s not just a business it’s a mission you can be proud of.
This initiative celebrates our commitment to building
healthier, happier futures for kids through sports and leadership.
Note: If you are selected as a semi-finalist, you will be asked to record a video of yourself answering the following question: Our mission is to promote healthy lifestyles and positive youth development through sports. How does that align with your personal values? How has your career and personal experience solidified that youth sports play in the life of children?
Note: If you are selected as a semi-finalist, you will be asked to record a video of yourself answering the following question: Our mission is to promote healthy lifestyles and positive youth development through sports. How does that align with your personal values? How has your career and personal experience solidified that youth sports play in the life of children?
"Educators, recreation professionals, and veterans each bring something priceless, whether it’s inspiring young minds, creating opportunities through community programs, or leading with the heart of service. This giveaway is our way of saying thank you and helping these heroes expand their impact, shaping the future one child at a time."
Community Champions Franchise Giveaway –
Frequently Asked Questions
How often are winners selected?
The National Academy of Athletics will select one winner from one of our three focus areas: educators, recreation professionals, and veterans.
What will the winner receive?
The winner will receive a territory and full franchise ownership benefits—all without paying the initial franchise fee. It’s our way of honoring those who serve their community.
What criteria does NAofA use to select winners?
The winner will be based on several key factors:
Passion for youth development through sports
Strong community relationships
Ability to support and grow a franchise territory
Prior business or leadership experience
Personal connection to sports and mentorship
What is the selection process like?
Apply online through our official application.
Our team will review submissions and choose a group of semifinalists.
Semifinalists will submit a short video answering our featured question.
Based on those videos, we’ll select a group of finalists.
Finalists will be invited to NAofA Headquarters in Santa Rosa, CA, for a working interview and tour.
One winner will be selected from this in-person experience.
Do the other finalists receive anything?
Yes! All finalists will be offered the opportunity to become a National Academy of Athletics franchise owner at a discounted franchise fee.
Official Rules
Overview:
The National Academy of Athletics (NAofA) is proud to honor those who have dedicated their lives to service, education, and community impact. Through the Youth Sports Hero Franchise Giveaway, NAofA will award three (3) FREE franchise opportunities to individuals from the following categories:
- U.S. Military Veterans
- School Educators (current or former)
- Parks & Recreation Professionals
The Giveaway begins September 11, 2025, and ends on January 30, 2026.
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a legal resident of the United States
- Reside in a US state where we are authorized to sell Franchises.
- Qualify under one of the three designated categories:
- Veteran: Honorably discharged from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Educator: Past or present certified K–12 or higher education teacher, coach, or school administrator
- Recreational Professional: Current or former employee of a public Parks & Recreation Department or similar public service in youth programming
- Pass a standard NAofA franchisee screening (including background check & business viability assessment)
- Demonstrate a passion for youth sports and community leadership
- Not currently owns or operates an NAofA franchise
- Entry opens: September 11, 2025 at 12:00 AM (PST)
- Deadline to enter: December 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM (PST)
- Semi-Finalists announced: December 22, 2025
- Finalists announced: January 9, 2026
- Winners announced: January 30, 2026
- A completed online application form
- A 500–1,000 word written statement or 2–3 minute video answering:
- “Why do you want to own a National Academy of Athletics franchise, and how would you use it to positively impact kids in your community?”
- Proof of category eligibility (e.g., DD-214 for veterans, employment verification letter for educators or recreation professionals)
Entries will be reviewed by the NAofA Youth Sports Champions Committee, composed of internal leaders and external advisors.
Selections will be based on:
- Passion & purpose for working with youth
- Community leadership potential
- Alignment with NAofA’s mission & values
- Long-term vision and operational readiness
- Authenticity & clarity of submitted statement/video
- A waived franchise fee (valued at up to $36,800)
- Complete onboarding & training
- Ongoing franchise support
Note: Winners are responsible for ongoing operating costs, including insurance, travel, equipment, and other standard business expenses.
There is no purchase necessary to enter or win. A purchase or payment of any kind does not increase the chances of winning.
OFFICIAL GIVEAWAY RULES
Overview:
The National Academy of Athletics (NAofA) is proud to honor those who have dedicated their lives to service, education, and community impact. Through the Youth Sports Hero Franchise Giveaway, NAofA will award three (3) FREE franchise opportunities to individuals from the following categories:
- U.S. Military Veterans
- School Educators (current or former)
- Parks & Recreation Professionals
The Giveaway begins September 11, 2025, and ends on January 30, 2026.
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a legal resident of the United States
- Reside in a US state where we are authorized to sell Franchises.
- Qualify under one of the three designated categories:
- Veteran: Honorably discharged from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Educator: Past or present certified K–12 or higher education teacher, coach, or school administrator
- Recreational Professional: Current or former employee of a public Parks & Recreation Department or similar public service in youth programming
- Pass a standard NAofA franchisee screening (including background check & business viability assessment)
- Demonstrate a passion for youth sports and community leadership
- Not currently owns or operates an NAofA franchise
- Entry opens: September 11, 2025 at 12:00 AM (PST)
- Deadline to enter: December 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM (PST)
- Semi-Finalists announced: December 22, 2025
- Finalists announced: January 9, 2026
- Winners announced: January 30, 2026
- A completed online application form
- A 500–1,000 word written statement or 2–3 minute video answering:
- “Why do you want to own a National Academy of Athletics franchise, and how would you use it to positively impact kids in your community?”
- Proof of category eligibility (e.g., DD-214 for veterans, employment verification letter for educators or recreation professionals)
Entries will be reviewed by the NAofA Youth Sports Champions Committee, composed of internal leaders and external advisors.
Selections will be based on:
- Passion & purpose for working with youth
- Community leadership potential
- Alignment with NAofA’s mission & values
- Long-term vision and operational readiness
- Authenticity & clarity of submitted statement/video
- A waived franchise fee (valued at up to $36,800)
- Complete onboarding & training
- Ongoing franchise support
Note: Winners are responsible for ongoing operating costs, including insurance, travel, equipment, and other standard business expenses.
There is no purchase necessary to enter or win. A purchase or payment of any kind does not increase the chances of winning.
Start
September 11,2025
Submission Deadline
December 15,2025
Semi-Finalist Announcement
December 22,2025
Videos Due
December 29,2025
Finalist Announced
January 9,2026
Discovery Day
January 29,2026
WINNERS
January 30,2026
*Disclaimer: This website and the franchise sales information on this site do not constitute an offer to sell a franchise. The offer of a franchise can only be made through the delivery of a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Certain states require that we register the FDD in those states. We do not direct the communications on this website to residents of any of those states. Moreover, we will not offer or sell franchises in those states until we have registered the franchise (or obtained an applicable exemption from registration) and delivered the FDD to the prospective franchisee in compliance with applicable law.
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Administrative Office
Mon - Fri: 9 AM - 5 PM
Sat - Sun: Closed
1260 North Dutton Ave. Suite 205
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
(866) 90-SPORT