Pillar 01
Child-first coaching
CORE coaches meet kids where they are, helping each child feel encouraged, included, and capable.
Our philosophy
Where movement has meaning.
At CORE, sports are more than games. They are opportunities for kids to move, grow, connect, and build confidence.
Meet the founder
Jon Bohrer
Founder and President
Coach Jon brings more than 25 years of experience working with children and has a passion for introducing young athletes to sports in a fun, supportive, and confidence-building way.
Before founding CORE, Jon served as the Director of Basketball for PreK to 5th grade at the Merage Jewish Community Center for three years. He went on to launch CORE, which has now served more than 4,000 students from over 30 schools throughout Newport Beach and the surrounding area.
Our mission
Helping kids grow through sports.
CORE's mission is to help kids grow through sports, movement, and mentorship. We develop athletic skills, confidence, character, and positive relationships in a fun, supportive environment where every child feels encouraged, connected, and capable.
Through small-group coaching and social-emotional learning, CORE coaches use games, team challenges, and everyday camp or program moments to teach respect, communication, empathy, resilience, sportsmanship, and leadership.
Help kids become stronger athletes and stronger people.
Our approach
Kids learn best when they are having fun.
That is why CORE programs are built around more than drills, games, and competition. Every activity is designed to help kids practice important life skills: working with others, trying again after mistakes, communicating clearly, showing respect, handling challenges, and celebrating effort.
Whether a child is new to sports or already loves being active, CORE creates an environment where they can build confidence, discover their strengths, and feel proud of their progress.
25+
Years coaching kids
4,000+
Kids served
30+
Schools partnered
1:5
Coach to kid ratio
What makes CORE different
Four things you can feel on day one.
Our coaching staff is one of the biggest reasons families trust our programs. Here is what they bring to every session.
Pillar 02
Sports with purpose
Every game, drill, and activity is an opportunity to build teamwork, sportsmanship, communication, resilience, and leadership.
Pillar 03
Small-group attention
Our low coach-to-kid ratios help coaches give kids more guidance, encouragement, and support.
Pillar 04
Fun, supportive leadership
CORE coaches create active, positive environments where kids try new things, build confidence, and enjoy being part of a team.
How CORE builds character
Six skills that show up in school, sports, and home.
CORE coaches use sports and movement to help kids practice skills that matter far beyond the field.
01
Confidence
Helping kids feel capable, connected, and proud of who they are becoming.
02
Communication
Building the confidence to listen, speak up, and work through challenges.
03
Leadership
Finding ways to encourage others, make good choices, and set a positive example.
04
Resilience
Learning how to keep trying, adapt, and grow from mistakes.
05
Sportsmanship
Practicing respect, fairness, effort, and positive behavior.
06
Teamwork
Learning how to cooperate, share responsibility, and support others.
Leadership and senior coaches
The coaches families come back for.
Great coaching starts with seeing the whole child. Meet the people who run CORE and the team they have built around them.
Program and Team Performance Manager
Indyah Alex
Coach Indyah graduated from Concordia University Irvine and has been involved in sports and athletics throughout her life. Growing up, she competed in soccer, basketball, roller derby, and flag football, developing a strong passion for teamwork, competition, leadership, and staying active.
Indyah has worked closely with athletes and youth sports programs, helping create positive, encouraging environments where kids can grow. At CORE, she brings energy, organization, and care to her role while helping young athletes build confidence, teamwork, athletic skills, and personal growth in a fun, supportive setting.
Director of Basketball Operations
Adrian Watkins
Coach Adrian brings a wealth of basketball knowledge and coaching experience to CORE, where he has served as Director of Basketball Operations for more than seven years.
A Marina High School alumnus, Coach Adrian earned awards and recognition from respected basketball camps including Five-Star Basketball Camp and USC's High School Varsity Camp. A favorite among CORE kids, he brings energy, experience, and a strong ability to connect with young athletes.
Administrative Assistant
Kailani Amuro
Coach Kailani brings over 15 years of basketball experience as a player, mentor, and youth coach. Raised in Southern California, she developed her love for the game through an organization dedicated to uplifting Asian American athletes and creating opportunities for young players. She is currently studying Psychology, Criminology, and Sociology at UC Irvine.
At CORE, Coach Kailani brings support, determination, and positive energy while helping kids build confidence, teamwork, resilience, and leadership on and off the court.
Senior Coach
Zach Round
Coach Zach grew up playing baseball, basketball, and football before focusing on football and rugby at JSerra Catholic High School. After facing a brain tumor diagnosis in 2017, Zach battled through recovery and continued competing, developing the resilience and determination he now brings to coaching.
Zach continued his football career at St. Norbert College before transferring to Chapman University. He has also coached football at Laguna Beach High School and Marina High School. At CORE, Coach Zach helps young athletes build confidence, character, toughness, and a lasting love for sports.
Senior Coach
J.R. Cifone
Coach J.R. brings more than 15 years of soccer experience to CORE. At Santa Margarita Catholic High School, he became the only player in the men's soccer program's history to earn Comeback Player of the Year twice after battling back from a broken leg.
J.R. has also worked in soccer development with Premier Youth Soccer Academy and is currently studying Finance at the Knauss School of Business at the University of San Diego. At CORE, he brings determination, enthusiasm, and positive energy to help young athletes grow on and off the field.
Senior Coach
Nathan Tavra
Coach Nathan is currently attending Vanguard University and is going into his third year. He is majoring in psychology with minors in theology and business. He enjoys researching psychology-related topics and is currently on a mission to seek wisdom.
Through his experiences and studies, he has learned many valuable lessons and is passionate about serving others with the wisdom he has obtained.
Coach
Aidan Force
Coach Aidan has 7 years of experience playing baseball and has a strong passion for all sports, with knowledge across many major athletic programs. He is currently studying Psychology at the University of California, Irvine, where he has completed several courses related to child development and education.
What Coach Aidan enjoys most about coaching is the opportunity to teach kids new things — not only in sports, but in life as well. He loves watching young athletes grow in confidence, character, and skill, both on and off the field. He is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child feels seen, valued, and recognized for the positive things they do.
Why families trust CORE
CORE is not just a youth sports program. It is a child development program. Their focus on character and confidence has helped our son become a better athlete and, more importantly, a stronger child.
David R. - Parent of a CORE kid
Join the CORE team
Looking for mentors and role models.
CORE is always looking for caring, energetic coaches who love working with kids and believe sports can help children build confidence, character, friendships, and life skills.
Ready to enroll?
Strong athletes. Stronger character.
CORE teaches kids to be all-stars on and off the field by helping them build the skills, confidence, and character they need to grow.
