EST - 1998

LA-Sports Kidz was started in the fall of 1998 as a direct result of parents requesting that Coach Akeim Kelly instruct their children on the fundamentals of playing various sports and leisure activities.

Upon relocating from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in January 1998, Coach Akeim began teaching sports classes for the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. The results and responses from his teaching style were astonishing. Parents of the children involved in his classes began to speak of the great experience their child(ren) had and began referring other people to his classes. Classes were quickly filled to capacity and after eight months of teaching for the Department of Recreation and Parks, Coach Akeim decided to accept the invitation of the community and start his own business of instructing children on the fundamentals of playing various sports and leisure activities while having FUN!!

The first LA-Sports Kidz class began in the backyard of a family who offered their home for the weekly class. This family recognized the results of how children were being deeply affected by the experience of good instruction.  From that initial class other opportunities such as private lessons and sports birthday parties were started.  In addition, other parents began to offer their backyards for classes; lobbied for classes to be taught at their children’s schools and extended invitations for Coach Akeim to participate in community events.

LA-Sports Kidz has consistently expanded its programs and services over the past nine years. Currently LA-Sports Kidz provides instructional classes in eight different communities throughout the greater Los Angeles area, at two private schools, and two public schools. In addition, birthday parties and private lessons are conducted every weekend.  LA-Sports Kidz staff has coordinated and implemented the sports events at the Children’s Athletic Games, hosted at the Home Depot Center. In addition, Coach Akeim has been asked to participate in the Los Angeles Special Olympics by Mrs. Maria Shriver.  LA-Sports Kidz staff are looking forward to working with both of these events for years to come. 

Participation in all of LA-Sports Kidz classes and activities has been the direct result of parents and children’s demands and desires to be involved in a program that makes every child a “WINNER.” Personal referrals have provided 90% of the marketing and advertising for LA-Sports Kidz programs. This positive support speaks volumes for the need of quality youth sports instruction and leisure activities throughout the greater Los Angeles area. 

This growth and success presents an important reason why LA-Sports Kidz will continue to expand throughout 2008 and into 2009. This expansion will include a children’s clothing line , sporting equipment and our new brand American Sports Kidz which will offer healthy programming for children. We look forward to what’s ahead and we cherish the past that has brought us here.