Money Makers - Lionheart Fitness Kids

 After growing up in poverty and overcoming significant life challenges, entrepreneur John Skoryna discovered something powerful: The path to fulfillment isn’t paved with hustle and burnout—it’s built through purpose, autonomy and giving back. Out of that revelation, Lionheart Fitness Kids was born.

Now in its 16th year, the Lionheart movement has impacted thousands of children by using imaginative, sports-based play to build confidence and character. And Skoryna’s vision isn’t limited by city or state. His nationwide certification program is available to adults all across the country looking to leave behind unfulfilling jobs and launch rewarding, high-paying careers teaching non-competitive sports to young children. Skoryna’s “Play Experts” earn an industry-best average of $100 per hour.

“I created the exact system that helped me break free from the grind,” said Skoryna. “Now I’m giving it to others who want the same—freedom, income and the chance to inspire the next generation.”

The Lionheart Coach Certification offers more than training—it provides a complete business-in-a-box, including:

· A public profile that connects coaches to parents and preschools

· An integrated scheduling and payment platform

· A mobile app with weekly sport-specific curricula

· A proven sales and marketing process

· Continuous support from an active coach community

Certified Lionheart “Play Experts” earn up to five times the industry average, making it one of the most rewarding careers in youth enrichment. With a proven system, powerful support and unmatched training, Lionheart empowers coaches to build a flexible, high-impact career doing work that matters. 

With partnerships that include childcare facilities at Sony, Paramount, Universal, Warner Bros. and Fox Studios, Lionheart is already a trusted name in early childhood sports education.

Now, it's becoming a vehicle for personal transformation—for both kids and adults.

“At Lionheart, we believe kids deserve confidence. Adults deserve freedom. And everyone deserves purpose,” Skoryna adds. “This program delivers all three.”

I had a chance to learn more in this interview with John Skoryna.

How does a lack of early childhood movement and play impact a child's development later in life?

A lack of movement and play in early childhood doesn't just affect a child's physical health—it impacts their cognitive, emotional, and social development too. Movement stimulates brain growth, coordination, and confidence. When kids don’t have consistent opportunities to move, they may struggle with attention, behavior regulation, and peer interaction later on. At Lionheart, we see play as a powerful tool for building strong, resilient, emotionally intelligent kids. It’s not just fun—it’s foundational.

What does a typical Lionheart class look like, and why is a non-competitive approach so critical for a preschooler's development?

A typical Lionheart class is a 30-minute adventure where play meets purpose. Each session begins with a story—a creative hook that captures the children’s imagination and sets the stage for the game. Maybe they're sneaking past jungle animals or delivering invisible pizzas—either way, they’re fully immersed. What the kids don’t realize is that every movement is intentional, designed to build motor skills, spatial awareness, coordination, and confidence.

Our approach is different because it’s non-competitive and emotionally attuned. At Lionheart, we don’t focus on who finishes first or scores the most. Instead, we applaud effort over outcome. We believe the most important lesson a preschooler can learn isn’t how to win—it’s how to try, how to keep going, and how to feel proud of themselves for trying their best.

This creates a safe, joyful environment where children feel confident to move, explore, and express themselves. It’s not about performance—it’s about participation, growth, and connection. And those lessons stick with them far beyond the field.

Aspiring coaches, educators and changemakers are invited to explore the certification at www.lionheartcoachlife.com. To see Skoryna’s story and message, visit: https://vimeo.com/763832676.