About the AIA Academy

Initially established in 2000 through funding from the Arizona Department of Health Services Tobacco Education Prevention Program, the AIA Academy's mission is to assist all invested parties in the creation of the social conditions necessary for children and adolescents to enjoy a healthy sport experience. The educational outreach programs offered by the AIA Academy reflect two key principles:

• DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE: Recognizing that the child is NOT a miniature adult and understanding that the developmental challenges of childhood and adolescence will enhance the youth sport experience for all participants.
  
  
• HEALTHY SPORT EXPERIENCE: The experience should be positive and assist participants in the development of sportsmanship and an addiction free lifestyle.

The AIA Academy's sport education program is founded on the CHILD™ curriculum designed by Dr. Darren Treasure and Dr. Robert Pangrazi. The goal of CHILD™ is to enhance the social conditions necessary for youth to have a healthy sport experience. The acronym CHILD™ stands for Character, Health, Integrity, Leadership, and Development and represents the five key areas of the program. 

We define a healthy sport experience as one that emphasizes participation in developmentally appropriate physical activities. These activities provide children with opportunities to learn life lessons, particularly in regard to healthy lifestyles and sportsmanship.

Over 3000 coaches and 1000 parents have participated in AIA Academy trainings and workshops since our inception in 2000.

For more information concerning AIA Academy trainings, please contact Scott Brown at (623) 780-4244 or sbrown@aiaacademy.org.