In Cranford, entrepreneurship is starting younger than ever. A Cranford 8th Grader Just Launched a Business — And It’s Built Around Sports!

At just 14 years old, Hillside Avenue School student Cody DeCoons has launched Sports Sitters NJ, a babysitting concept that replaces screens and indoor activities with sports. Instead of traditional babysitting, Sports Sitters NJ pairs younger girls and boys with middle and high school athletes who run structured sports sessions in backyards and local parks. Think basketball drills, soccer scrimmages, volleyball matches, and mentorship from athletes who love working with kids. Inspired by his own experience moving from Manhattan to Cranford, NJ and discovering how powerful sports mentorship can be, Cody created Sports Sitters NJ to help younger kids build confidence while learning new skills.

From Manhattan to Cranford: The Inspiration Behind Sports Sitters NJ

You are only 14 and already launching a business. What inspired the idea for Sports Sitters NJ?

When I first moved to Cranford in 6th grade, I hadn’t really had the opportunity to play organized sports growing up in NYC. I looked to find local high school and college athletes to help get me caught up so I could try out for the local teams. I made some great relationships and mentors who are still a part of my life. I want to now give back and do the same for younger kids who might not be as comfortable with playing on a team or starting a new sport and want to help them feel comfortable with learning new drills and skills.

You moved from Manhattan to Cranford in 6th grade. What was this transition like for you?

It was actually great; I love meeting new people and was excited to start fresh at Cranford. The community and kids at school were all so welcoming to me and found my group right away. I was able to have a lot more independence and go out on my bike, walk to town, things that I wasn’t doing when I was in the city.

What do you like most about living in Cranford?

I really like that it’s such a small town and everyone is so friendly. Every time I walk to town or go to a sports game you run into people you know, all different ages. I love going to the football games at Memorial Field on Friday nights. It’s so different then how I grew up in Manhattan I never got to experience living in a town where everyone loves their town so much and wears all Cranford gear. Everyone is also so supportive of kids and teens in this town. Living in Cranford is great!

You attend HAS and were recently selected for the Peer Leader Team. What does this role mean to you?

That was a big deal for me. I interviewed as soon as the school year started. I had heard about it last year and thought it sounded like something I would love and be good at. There weren’t a lot of boys that were selected, so it really means a lot that I could be a male role model for the younger kids. I like getting to see the kids I teach in the hallways outside of class and stop and give them a hi-five!

How did your experiences with sports and mentorship lead to the idea for Sports Sitters NJ?

It really was about taking my two biggest interests- sports and working with kids and putting them together to start a business. As I started babysitting it became evident that the kids always wanted to watch movies or play video games. I wasn’t always sure what to do with them for a long time. Because I am most comfortable outside- tossing a football or shooting a basketball, I utilized that with the kids. I noticed that the times I did this, I could see how much fun they had. I thought, this is how I want to babysit!

What is Sports Sitters NJ?

For parents hearing about it for the first time, how would you explain Sports Sitters NJ?

Sports Sitters NJ is a local group of middle and high school athletes who bring the sports your kids love to your house or local park. Instead of a regular babysitting, we focus on playing sports with your child. You choose the sport -we come with a whole duffle bag of equipment, warm up drills, and game ideas.

Sports Offered (So Many To Choose From!)

What sports are currently offered?

We are launching with basketball, soccer and football for the boys. Girls will be offered basketball, soccer, and volleyball. The plan is to to add more options, such as lacrosse. We are currently working on adding to our available Sitters list and matching with areas of expertise.

What ages is the program designed for?

I think age 8-10 years is the perfect age – a 2nd- 5th grader. We would love a mix of younger girls and boys just starting a sport that can use some coaching and help with basic skills.

Where will sessions be held?

Our sitters can meet at your backyard or any local park if the parent wants to come. We did some test runs at Unami Park which proved to be a good spot because it’s quiet and the basketball court and open fields have good shade. This is also a great location between Cranford and Westfield.

What do you hope the kids learn from these sessions besides sports skills?

I’m hoping that we can help them get more confidence. I would like to see them try things they haven’t done before. The goal is to find the right support and role model that knows how to talk to them so they can learn a lot!

Teen Boys and Girls Sitters Wanted!

How does a teen apply and train to become a sitter with Sports Sitter NJ?

There is an application link to apply so we can get to know more about them and their availability. We will set up an interview and if they are selected we are organizing CPR certification and orientation for them.

Booking a Session

For parents, what type of bookings are available and what is the best way to reserve a spot? You can book everything here: https://tinyurl.com/jz6yenw5

Book your after-school 1:1 or group sessions, birthday celebrations, summer camps and pop ups.

You are hosting a ‘Meet the Sitters’ event – what can families expect?

Yes, on April 17 from 5:30-7:00 pm! This is a free event for the community at Unami Park where Sports Sitters will run warmups, drills, games and meet parents while kids participate. There will also be crafts, snacks, an ice cream truck and a “Design Your Own Water Bottle” by Made by Michelle

Looking Ahead

Cody hopes to expand Sports Sitters NJ into additional towns, add more sports, and eventually develop camps and coaching programs. To stay in the loop, subscribe to Sports Sitters NJ for launch info: Subscribe Now!