A man who was picked on for trampolining in school has turned his passion into a successful business that's expanding across the UK.
Jay Scouler, 38, is the managing director of Liverpool Trampoline Gymnastics Academy (LTGA) in Speke. He started trampolining in 1994 in Fazakerley Sports Centre, near where he grew up.
After gaining 18 coaching badges and working at a trampolining centre of excellence on Park Road, in 2016 British Gymnastics and Liverpool City Council put together a funding package specifically for a gym specialising in trampolining gymnastics.
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Jay is now spearheading the expansion of LTGA into other parts of the UK. Sessions are available at sub-let premises in Huddersfield and the company has put in an offer on a building in Stoke.
He told the ECHO why he thinks it's important for young people to get involved with sports. He said: "Actually getting out and doing a physical activity or being a member of a sports club is a powerful thing. You're doing something with like minded people."
Jay was picked on at school and now hopes sports can play a role for children seeking a safe haven.
He told the ECHO: "In this day and age it's a difficult time for young people to be growing up. I remember myself, I'd get stick in school for wearing leotards and doing a sport that's not mainstream.
"These days kids can't get away from it. With technology, children can't leave their problems in the playground.
"When I was leaving school I knew I was going to a safe space where the bullying would stop. Now they have phones and the people who are being negative have access to them. It's so important that kids aren't left sitting in the corner with a phone in their hand."
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