From Archaeology Dreams to Coaching on Court: Christine Cozis Brings RSGK to North VIC

For Christine Cozis, the path to owning a Ready Steady Go Kids franchise has been anything but ordinary. From studying archaeology and dreaming of becoming Indiana Jones to coaching children on court, Christine has built a career that combines movement, learning, business ownership and family life.

Today, Christine delivers Ready Steady Go Kids programs across the Broadmeadows and Heidelberg regions in Victoria, helping young children develop confidence, coordination and social skills through a wide range of sports and physical activities.

Her journey began with a familiar face. Christine already knew about Ready Steady Go Kids because her brother’s children had attended the program years ago. More recently, she also had friends who owned two franchises, so she decided to ask them about their experiences.

Those conversations gave Christine the opportunity to learn more about the program from people who understood both the rewards and the realities of franchise ownership. Before long, she began to see how Ready Steady Go Kids could provide the career change and flexibility she was looking for.

A career change with family at the centre

Christine wanted to make a change in her working life, but it was important that her next step also worked for her family. With a six-year-old son, she wanted to be available during his school years, including school events, appointments, drop-off and pick-up.

A traditional nine-to-five role did not offer the flexibility Christine needed. Owning a Ready Steady Go Kids franchise gave her the chance to build a business while shaping her working hours around family life.

She can coach on court in the morning, then spend time on administration, marketing and other business tasks before collecting her son from school. This balance has allowed Christine to remain involved in the moments that matter while continuing to grow her franchise across her regions.

For Christine, this is more than a practical arrangement. It is the work-life balance she had been searching for.

“I am available for school drop-off and pick-up and all the activities in between. I can still work on court as a coach in the morning and have plenty of time afterwards for administration and marketing before picking up my son.”

That flexibility is one of the reasons franchise ownership can be such an attractive option for parents looking for a new direction. Every franchisee brings different goals, responsibilities and strengths to the business, and every territory has its own community needs. Christine’s experience is her own, rather than a result that should be compared with another franchisee’s journey.

Watching confidence grow week by week

The most rewarding part of Christine’s work is seeing children develop over time. A child who may initially feel unsure or reluctant can begin to participate after just a few sessions. Over several weeks and across a full term, that progress can become something truly special.

Christine particularly enjoys seeing children achieve something they once believed they could not do. It might be a new movement, a sporting skill, joining in with a group or simply having the confidence to try.

These moments are at the heart of the Ready Steady Go Kids experience. The program is designed to support children as they build physical skills, social confidence and a positive relationship with activity.

Christine has noticed that confidence and social skills are often the biggest changes children experience after only a few classes. As they become more comfortable in the environment, they can begin to communicate with educators and peers, take turns, follow instructions and celebrate the achievements of others.

For families, these changes can be just as important as learning to throw, catch, kick or balance. Physical activity becomes a pathway to broader development and school readiness.

Every week brings something new

One of the features Christine values most about Ready Steady Go Kids is the variety built into each session. Children are introduced to different sports and activities while developing a broad range of gross motor and fine motor skills.

They are not completing the same task every week. Instead, each class brings fresh opportunities to move, explore and learn.

This variety helps keep children engaged while exposing them to skills that can support future participation in sport, play and the classroom. Running, jumping, balancing, throwing, catching and kicking all contribute to physical development, while listening, cooperating, remembering instructions and taking turns support social and cognitive growth.

Christine believes this well-rounded approach is one of the reasons the program is so valuable for young children.

“Children learn so many different gross motor and fine motor skills while learning new sports. They do not do the same task or activity every week. Ready Steady Go Kids prepares children for school, which is vital.”

Christine brings this varied learning experience to local families and early learning communities. Her sessions are active and energetic, but they are also carefully structured to help children learn through play and participation.

Support every step of the way

Starting a business can be a big decision, especially when it involves a career change and a new set of responsibilities. Christine says the support from Head Office has made a significant difference throughout her franchise journey.

She describes the support as unbelievable and values knowing that Danie, the Franchisor, is always available for a conversation. Whether franchisees need advice, encouragement or fresh ideas, having an open line of communication can make the process feel far more manageable.

Christine also appreciates the wider Ready Steady Go Kids network. Other franchise owners are generous with their advice and are willing to help new franchisees understand the business, overcome challenges and find their feet.

That collaborative culture is an important part of the franchise experience. While each territory is different, franchisees do not have to navigate their journey alone. They can learn from the wider network while developing an approach that suits their own families, communities and business goals.

From ancient civilisations to active families

Christine’s career path becomes even more interesting when you learn about her early ambitions. Growing up, she wanted to be Indiana Jones. Her fascination with ancient civilisations led her to study archaeology at university.

Although her working life eventually took her in a different direction, that curiosity and love of learning have remained part of who she is. Today, she is helping children explore movement, sport and their own capabilities in a completely different setting.

Outside Ready Steady Go Kids, Christine is kept busy by her six-year-old son. He enjoys basketball and bike riding, so the family spends plenty of time being active together. They also enjoy camping as often as they can, creating opportunities to get outdoors and spend quality time together.

That active family lifestyle fits naturally with Christine’s work. She understands the value of giving children opportunities to move, try new things and develop confidence in a supportive environment.

Christine’s advice for future franchisees

For anyone considering a Ready Steady Go Kids franchise, Christine believes it is an excellent option for people who enjoy teaching children and helping them develop.

She also highlights the lifestyle benefits. The combination of coaching, business ownership and flexible scheduling has allowed her to create a working life that fits around her son, rather than requiring family life to fit around a rigid work schedule.

“It is a great idea if you want the perfect work-life balance and enjoy teaching children and helping them develop.”

Christine’s story is a great example of how a franchise journey can begin with a familiar program, a few honest conversations and the desire for something different. Her experience in her regions continues to grow, one class, one new skill and one confident child at a time.

“Christine brings fresh energy, commitment and purpose to her Ready Steady Go Kids journey. She has made a clear decision to be present for her son while building a successful business, and that balance is something to be proud of. Across her regions, Christine is bringing the program to life for families and creating valuable opportunities for children to grow in confidence, develop new skills and enjoy being active.” adds Danie O’Connor, Franchisor of Ready Steady Go Kids