JUMPING Juniors was established in 2020 by Crowborough-based couple Dan and Erin Papper, Crowborough residents eager to provide sports and crafts clubs that boost children’s confidence and coordination in preparation for starting school.
Dan is a former local primary and secondary school PE teacher who works as Jumping Juniors’ Head Coach and PE Consultant, while Erin manages all business, marketing and finances for the clubs.
The business began during the pandemic in 2020, while Dan and Erin were waiting to get married and preparing for their first child.
The team soon grew to offer weekend sports classes in 2021. The classes started in Wadhurst, then Tunbridge Wells, before moving to Crowborough Freedom Leisure Centre where they remain today.
Dan and Erin recognise the lack of family play spaces that Crowborough offers and often drive to other towns to entertain their children at the weekend. Their goal is to open a soft play centre in Crowborough, but finding a suitable warehouse space has proven challenging.
The pair have already renovated a smaller studio in central Crowborough which is used for activities like Baby Play, Messy Play and Free Play, as well as occasional arts and crafts workshops for 5 to 11-year-olds.
The studio which is called ‘Jumping Juniors Stay & Play’ opened in late January 2024 and offers a more intimate space for parents and carers to relax and enjoy locally-sourced drinks and cake whilst being able to see their child at all times.
“We’ve always wanted to provide sports activities for local people, but we also want the food and drink we provide to be local too. I’m a massive coffee lover, so our coffee comes from Moretto, a coffee bean company based near to Crowborough.
“A local mum provides our cakes and brownies, so it’s great we can support other local businesses and give parents ways to relax at our classes too,” Dan explained.
Jumping Juniors is offering more workshops for children in the upcoming February half-term break, again striving to keep costs low for families.
From Valentines-themed craft events to group sports activities, Jumping Juniors is arranging half-term events to suit children’s diverse craft and social needs.
Beyond teaching essential sports skills, Dan and Erin work to uplift and motivate the children who attend their classes. By awarding free stickers, sticker charts and medals, the couple find creative means to encourage children and champion their successes.
Dan said, “We are passionate about offering fantastic and engaging classes at a reasonable price. As parents of two young children, we understand the high costs for kids’ activities and want to keep our prices as low as possible for what we offer.”
For more information on Jumping Juniors classes and clubs, visit jumping-juniors.com
