From Sporty Dad to Franchise Owner: David Neves' Ready Steady Go Kids Story

The journey of a franchise owner often starts with a spark, and David Neves brought plenty of it. His path to becoming a much-loved part of the Ready Steady Go Kids community grew naturally from life as a sporty stay-at-home dad. David spent countless hours kicking, throwing, running and playing with his own children, so the idea of joining an organisation built around helping young children get active felt like the perfect fit. He already knew just how exciting it is to watch a child grab a ball, try something new and beam with pride, and he was eager to bring that same fun, warmth and energy to more families in his local community.

Stepping into franchise ownership was an exciting next chapter for David. After many years working as a RSGK coach and team leader, he had built the people skills, leadership know-how and practical experience needed to run a thriving business. For David, becoming a franchise owner felt like a natural progression. It gave him the chance to bring together his professional strengths and his genuine love of sport in a way that feels both meaningful and rewarding. That winning mix has helped him create a bright, encouraging environment where children can thrive and families feel right at home.

One of the most rewarding parts of the job for David is soaking up the magic that pops up in every class. He often talks about the joy of seeing huge smiles light up the faces of the children. There is nothing quite like watching a little one break into a triumphant celebration dance after mastering a new skill. His classes are full of laughter, movement and those brilliant unexpected moments that children absolutely love. David still laughs about the time he was demonstrating a football kick and the ball flew straight into a basketball ring across the court. The children were completely amazed and instantly even more excited to have a go themselves. That playful sense of wonder is a big part of what makes the program so memorable.

Beyond the laughter and the games, David has seen some truly special growth in the children who join his sessions. He has watched them build confidence, back themselves and push past that early fear of getting things wrong. Some sporting skills can be tricky for young children at first, but their determination is always inspiring. Seeing them keep trying, keep learning and finally nail a skill is one of the best parts of the job. By cheering them on every step of the way, David helps children develop a positive mindset that supports them not just in class, but at school and in everyday life as well.

Parents often share how much they love the variety the program brings to each term. David believes that the wide range of sports and skills is one of the things that makes Ready Steady Go Kids stand out. Children get the chance to explore all sorts of movements, challenges and teamwork experiences that families may not have thought to try otherwise. It is always exciting when a child suddenly discovers a favourite sport they had never played before. Those lightbulb moments are a joy for children and a lovely surprise for parents too.

Owning a franchise has also had a big impact on David's life. He believes that when you genuinely love what you do, the business becomes a joyful part of who you are. Over the years, he has developed strong leadership and marketing skills, while also growing personally through the experience. The sense of fulfilment he gets from his work is enormous. He is also quick to recognise the support of Head Office and the wider network, which he says has been a valuable part of his success. David often says that it takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a like-minded network to help a business grow. For anyone considering their own journey, David believes that if you have a passion for education and sport, the path can open up in really exciting ways.

When David is not busy helping children reach their potential, he stays very active. He enjoys playing soccer and spending time outdoors trail walking or gardening. He is also a fan of experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. This balance of physical activity and creative hobbies keeps him energised and ready to lead his next class with a smile.

David runs weekday classes at the Ashburton Pool and Recreation Centre and weekend classes at Solway Primary School in Ashburton.

As Danie O'Connor, the Franchisor of Ready Steady Go Kids, says: "David brings such a fun, upbeat energy to everything he does, and families feel that from the moment they meet him. David has been in the RSGK network for such a long time - longer than me and his journey to franchise owner has been a wonderful fit for our brand. He leads with heart, enthusiasm and a real love for helping children grow in confidence. The impact he has been making in his community for such a long time is something we are incredibly proud of."