A League of Their Own: 14 Years of Impact with Byron & Carmen Dodds

When you think about the heart and soul of a community-focused business, you think of people like Carmen and Byron Dodds. For two decades, this dynamic husband-and-wife duo has been a fixture in the Melbourne sporting community, but their story actually begins thousands of kilometres away in South Africa. As one of the very first Ready Steady Go Kids (RSGK) franchisees, they haven't just built a successful business; they have built a legacy that spans generations, inspired thousands of children, and even shaped the very program we know and love today.

Starting a franchise is often about finding a balance between passion and profit. For Carmen and Byron, it was about finding a home for their energy and a way to share their love of movement with the next generation. Today, we are diving deep into their 14-year journey with Ready Steady Go Kids, alongside two decades in Australia, from immigrating to Australia to watching their own children grow up on the RSGK courts.

The Spark: What First Attracted the Dodds to RSGK?

Every great franchising story starts with a "why." For Carmen and Byron, that "why" was a very active 2.5-year-old son who seemingly had a ball in his hand 24 hours a day.

“We were looking for a sporting activity to engage him,” Carmen recalls. “But back then, almost every organised sport started at age five. There was a huge gap for toddlers and pre-schoolers who were ready to move but didn’t have a structured outlet.”

When they discovered Ready Steady Go Kids, it wasn't just the multi-sport aspect that caught their eye: though getting a taste of 10 different sports in one program was a massive draw. It was the "science" behind it. As an Occupational Therapist (OT), Carmen was immediately impressed by the fact that the program had been developed by a physiotherapist.

“Being an OT, I loved that the curriculum focused on gross motor development,” she says. “It wasn't just about playing games; it was about helping children explore various sports and find their niche while hitting crucial developmental milestones.”

Taking the Leap: From South Africa to Melbourne Business Owners

Moving to a new country is a massive undertaking. After immigrating from South Africa, Carmen and Byron were looking for an opportunity to be self-employed again. They wanted a career that didn't just pay the bills but allowed them to be present for their young family.

The decision to buy a kids activity franchise was driven by a mix of personal passion and professional expertise. Byron, who had played state-level hockey in South Africa, brought the elite sporting mindset and coaching energy. Carmen brought the clinical understanding of child development. Together, they were the perfect team to take the RSGK model and run with it.

“Having a young family, the benefits of being self-employed definitely attracted us,” they explain. “We knew we could have a genuine impact. We found a program that would get our own son involved in sport from a young age, while allowing us to build something of our own.”

Magic Moments on the Court

What keeps a person passionate about their business for 14 years? For Byron, it’s the "firsts."

“I love teaching children how to do things for the very first time,” Byron says. “Whether it’s showing a toddler how to hold a hockey stick correctly or watching them kick a footy without needing a cone for the first time: those are the magic moments. You see them grow in confidence over the weeks, and you know you’re helping them develop a lifelong love for physical activity.”

Carmen sees the program through the lens of a developmental expert. “I am passionate about the science behind our program. Watching children achieve developmental goals while they think they’re just having fun is incredibly rewarding. It’s inspiring to see how they grow through the program and then see what they achieve in their chosen sports years later.”

Seeing the Transformation: Coordination, Confidence, and School Readiness

In the world of sport franchises, the "product" isn't just a class: it is the child’s growth. Over 14 years with Ready Steady Go Kids, Carmen and Byron have seen it all. They’ve watched children go from being the "sibling in the pram" on the sidelines to becoming star pupils in the program, and eventually, confident primary schoolers.

The impact of RSGK goes far beyond physical skills. While coordination and gross motor skills are the foundation, the social and emotional growth is just as significant.

“It’s so rewarding to watch children grow in all aspects of life,” the couple shares. “They grow in physical development, but also emotionally and in their interpersonal skills. They learn to communicate and build special relationships with our coaches. We often get feedback from parents years later about how their child’s sporting achievements started right here with us. Whether it’s resilience, coordination, or just the confidence to try something new, we know we’ve made an impact.”

The Ultimate Work-Life Balance

One of the biggest questions potential owners ask when looking at a kids franchise is about the lifestyle. Carmen and Byron are living proof that it works. They have three children: now aged 17, 13, and 8: and all of them have grown up as part of the business.

“RSGK has allowed us to build a lifestyle we love,” they say. “It’s given us the opportunity to grow a successful business while creating a work-life balance so we could be available for our kids at every stage of their lives.”

The business didn't just fit around their family; it became their family. Their daughters, now 13 and 8, spent their infancy in baby carriers while Carmen and Byron coached on the courts. Their son, the one who started it all at 2.5 years old, is now nearly 18 and pursuing a US college golf scholarship: a passion he first discovered through the multi-sport exposure of Ready Steady Go Kids!

A Legacy of Mentorship and Growth

Carmen and Byron’s influence extends far beyond the children in their classes. They have been instrumental in shaping the wider RSGK network, particularly in how coaches are trained and mentored.

One of their proudest achievements is their partnership with Lachie Price. Lachie started as a coach with the Dodds and worked with them for four years. Today, he is their business partner and a huge asset to the entire national network.

“We are very proud of the culture we have built,” Carmen says. “Our coaches are not just employees; they are part of our family. It’s been a joy watching at least three of our former coaches bring their own children into our program. When that happens, you know you are definitely doing something right!”

This sense of community is supported by a strong corporate structure. The Dodds credit much of their success to the support they receive. “Head office is 100% supportive. It’s been a privilege to work alongside like-minded individuals and have a supportive network that backs our decisions.”

A Word From the Top

The impact Carmen and Byron have made to the RSGK franchised network has not gone unnoticed. Danie O'Connor, Franchisor of Ready Steady Go Kids, has worked closely with them for years and speaks of them with immense respect.

"It has been an absolute pleasure to watch this dynamic duo grow with the brand throughout the franchising journey. Carmen and Byron have been instrumental in shaping our program, assisting the network with coach development, and onboarding new franchisees. They are truly the driving force of passion within our brand."

Advice for Future Franchisees

After 14 years with Ready Steady Go Kids, what is their advice for someone sitting on the fence about starting their own franchise journey?

“Take the leap,” they say without hesitation. “If you are willing to put in hard work, you will reap the rewards. It’s shaped our life beyond just being a job. We aren't just running a business; we are having a positive impact on children’s lives every single day.”

Owning a business pushes you out of your comfort zone, but as Carmen and Byron have shown, it also provides the platform to grow as a leader, a mentor, and a parent.

Life Outside the Court

When they aren't helping the next generation of athletes, the Dodds are just as active. Byron’s history as an elite hockey goalie and Carmen’s OT background keep them busy, and their home life is centred around their three children’s various sporting pursuits.

They have built a culture where the business is an extension of their home, and their employees are treated like family. As their son prepares for his next big adventure in the US, and their daughters continue to follow in their footsteps, the Dodds continue to prove that with passion, science, and a bit of hard work, you can build a legacy that lasts a lifetime.