With some 10,000 families enjoying American Kids Sports Center each year, many think that it is part of a national franchise. Actually, it is the result of nearly three decades of persistent hard work to a dream by local owners Mike & Sheri Williams. What started out as Sheri’s passion for gymnastics has become a nationally recognized multi kids sport venue.
Originally started as American Academy of Gymnastics in 1984, things first began to change in the 1990's with the addition of American Cheer and the construction of their first 15,000 sq. ft. building in 1994. By 2003, the club was at capacity with some 1,700 students and the idea to take their administrative and customer service skills and apply them to a one stop kids sports center was born. In 2007, the name was officially changed to American Kids Sports Center with the completion of construction of its 40,000 sq. ft. building on Allen Rd. In 2008, we purchased Dancers Workshop and opened a second location near Gosford and White in what had been Stars Gymnastics. We also have expanded swim lesson classes at all InShape Health Clubs. Today, we typically have a weekly enrollment of 4,000 students and have had as many as 5,000. We now offer sport instruction in gymnastics, dance, Taekwondo, swim lessons, cheerleading, and Ninja Zone. We also have many fun activities such as parties, sports camps, and Parent Night Out.
In about 2014, AKSC started offering educational experiences as we created the American Kids University, or AKU, and opened our licensed preschool and offering sports electives to charter school. In 2017, we also started a specialty program with Inspire Charter Schools.
The future of American Kids is for further growth both in new activities and new locations. Their adult children, Matt and Michelle, plan to put their own stamp on that future. Outside of their business, Mike and Sheri are involved in church, enjoy traveling and community events. Mike also is a Trustee for the Kern High School District.
To find out more about American Kids Sports Center, visit us at either location, or at www.AKSC.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/AmericanKidsSportsCenter, or call 661-589-2100