A little bit about us...

Jumping Jacks Gymnastics is an inclusive, fun, and affordable gymnastics club which was founded in April 2022 by Leeza Essex and Jade Storey.

Leeza and Jade began Jumping Jacks after working together teaching gymnastics for over 16 years and have a wealth of experience in teaching all ages and abilities. They are both fully qualified British Gymnastics coaches, hold a full DBS, and are First Aid trained.

Leeza and Jade lead a team of experienced, friendly and supportive coaches who all have the best interests of children at the heart of everything they do. As a group of mothers, they understand that all children are different and use their natural instincts to ensure that every child gets the opportunity to learn new skills at a level that is suited to their needs and in their own time.

Jumping Jacks Gymnastics club is rooted in the belief that kids can enjoy many physical and mental health benefits when learning new skills through movement in a safe and caring environment.

  • Image of Leeza Essex sitting down smiling

    Leeza

    FOUNDER + CLUB MANAGER

    Leeza started her gymnastics career at the age of 5 years old and trained as an elite gymnast representing the South of England in many competitions. At the age of 17 Leeza retired from competitive gymnastics and began her coaching career with her proudest achievement, coaching a young gymnast to reach the Great Britain Development Squad. Leeza is now a mother to four young children but her passion for gymnastics and seeing children enjoy the sport is still very much alive.

  • Image of Jade storey kneeling down

    Jade

    FOUNDER + HEAD COACH

    Jade was a keen sports woman growing up and discovered gymnastics coaching at the age of 16. Jade has enjoyed working with all age groups from preschool to adults. Jade particularly enjoys working with younger gymnasts and introducing them to the world of gymnastics. Jade loves to see children have fun and progress their skills to the best of their abilities. Jade is also a mum to four and loves working with children.

  • Stacey

    SENIOR COACH

    Stacey started gymnastics at the age of 7, loving the sport so much that she started coaching after school, at the age of 14. After taking some time away and having her first two children Stacey returned to coaching and excelled at teaching preschool and recreational gymnastics. Stacey had lots of experience working with children with additional needs, her cool calm nature works perfectly to create a warm welcoming atmosphere.

  • Drew

    COACH

    Drew started competitive gymnastics from the age of 5 years old. Drew excelled through competitions with the help of her coach Leeza (that’s me!) and was selected to be apart of the Great British Development squad and trained along side Olympians who you would have seen on the tv! Drews strength, determination and natural talent helped her perfect an array of high class gymnastics skills in particular pike Tsukahara on vault. Drew retired from gymnastics after a knee injury. She is now a qualified Personal trainer and mother of two young children. Drew particularly enjoys seeing the children’s reactions when they finally master a skill they’ve been working so hard on.

  • Jess

    COACH

    Jess started gymnastics at the age of 4 and quickly progressed to become an elite gymnast. Jess was selected to represent both the South and East region of England in national competitions and particularly excelled at vault regularly performing Yurchenko’s (google it, it’s pretty impressive!) Jess retired after a back injury and went into coaching instead. After taking some time out Jess now a mother of two young children is ready to get back into the world of gymnastics! Jess loves to see gymnasts trying their hardest and having as much fun as they can!

  • Nadine

    ASSISTANT COACH

    Nadine started coaching gymnastics 2 years ago. Her passion and enthusiasm have helped her develop into an established coach in a short period of time and her positivity helps even the most nervous of children, Nadine loves to see the children learn new skills and always shares in their happiness when they accomplish something new.

  • Kathryn

    WELFARE OFFICER

    Kathryn is our assigned Welfare Officer. She is also a Level 2 qualified coach and will coach with us occasionally. Kathryn is a full-time teacher and has decades of experience working with children and teenagers.

    For any welfare concerns please contact Kathryn at kathrynhayward@hotmail.com