BE BOLD.
BE BRAVE.
BUILD GRIT.
At GRIT,we believe that kids are built for challenge, not bubble wrap. Through our progressive programming, we are developing the physical confidence and mental resilience your child needs to tackle anything. No trophies for showing up. Just real skills, real progress, and kids who know they're capable of hard things.
Why Grit Matters More Than Talent!
Building Kids Ready for Any Sport, Any Challenge
In my 25 years of coaching youth sports and raising five boys, I've learned this truth: the kids who succeed aren't always the most naturally talented. They're the ones with GRIT - the determination to keep going when things get tough, the resilience to bounce back from setbacks, and the courage to try new things even when they're scared.
My sons have competed in soccer, basketball, tennis, track, and rowing. Two are now nationally ranked USTA junior tennis players. My oldest played Division I rugby at Northeastern, then left a prestigious job at Bank of America to follow his passion - he's now General Manager of THE GRIT Academy and runs multiple youth sports programs and non-profits across Hudson County. Their journeys taught me that sports are just the vehicle. The real destination is raising kids who are mentally tough, physically capable, and ready for whatever life throws at them.
"The goal isn't to create professional athletes. It's to create kids who know how to work hard, handle adversity, and believe in themselves."
What is GRIT?
GRIT stands for Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Teamwork. It's not just about sports - it's a mindset that helps kids thrive in school, friendships, and life.
GROWTH
Kids learn that nobody starts as an expert. They stop saying 'I can't do this' and start saying 'I can't do this yet.' That single word - yet - changes everything. We celebrate progress over perfection.
RESILIANCE
The ability to bounce back from disappointment and failure. My nationally ranked tennis players have lost tough matches and learned to process disappointment, analyze what went wrong, and come back stronger. That skill serves them far beyond the court.
INTEGRITY
Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. When my oldest son left a lucrative banking career to pursue his passion for coaching, that was integrity - choosing purpose over prestige, impact over income.
TEAMWORK
Understanding that we're better together. Whether it's basketball teamwork, doubles tennis partnerships, or supporting fellow skateboarders, kids learn that collaboration leads to greater success.
The ultimate confidence builder. Kids learn problem-solving in motion as they tackle obstacle courses, developing full-body strength, spatial awareness, grip strength, courage, and persistence. Falling and failing are part of the process - that's resilience in action.
Gymnastics
The foundation of all athletic movements. Develops extraordinary balance, flexibility, core strength, body awareness, and precision. The body control kids gain here transfers to every other sport and activity.
Basketball
Kids learn that nobody starts as an expert. They stop saying 'I can't do this' and start saying 'I can't do this yet.' That single word - yet - changes everything. We celebrate progress over perfection.
Tennis
Builds mental toughness and individual accountability. There's no one to blame, no substitutions - you must dig deep. Players learn emotional regulation, strategy, patience, and sportsmanship. Tennis taught my sons that they're in control of their outcomes.
Skateboarding
Develops balance, courage, persistence, creativity, and core strength. Every trick requires overcoming fear and often takes hundreds of attempts. Kids learn that falling is part of the process and develop the resilience to get back up.
"These five sports complement each other, creating well-rounded athletes ready for anything."
What Your Child Will Gain
Kids who train at GRIT Academy develop:
Physical Literacy
Balance, coordination, strength, agility, and confidence in their bodies
Mental Toughness
The ability to push through challenges and manage emotions
Social Skills
Teamwork, communication, and supporting others
Character
Integrity, work ethic, and respect for others
Confidence
The belief that they can learn new skills and overcome obstacles
Readiness for Any Sport
A foundation that transfers to whatever they want to pursue
"Every child is an athlete. Every child can develop GRIT. Every child deserves the chance to discover what they're capable of."
Our Mission
The goal isn't to create professional athletes, though some of our kids may reach that level. The goal is to create kids who know how to work hard, handle adversity, work with others, and believe in themselves. Kids who are physically confident and emotionally resilient. Kids who understand that effort matters more than talent and character matters more than winning. In other words, kids with GRIT.
Peyton Kay
Founder & Director, The GRIT Academy
With 25 years of youth sports coaching experience and as father to five boys - including two nationally ranked USTA junior tennis players and a Division I rugby player who now serves as GRIT's General Manager - Peyton brings both professional expertise and lived experience to his coaching philosophy.
His sons have competed in soccer, basketball, tennis, track, and rowing, giving him unique insight into youth athletics at all levels. The Kay family's commitment to Jersey City youth extends beyond GRIT Academy through Hudson County Basketball (non-profit), Hudson County Sports League, and Beast Coast Academy.
READY TO BUILD GRIT?
Schedule A FREE TRIAL
Want to learn more about our programs and facility? Fill out our online form to get the conversation started and we'll set up a time for you to tour our space in downtown Jersey City.
