From the ELC Director’s Office to the Court: Jen Jeffrey’s Shellharbour Story!
If you had told Jen Jeffrey a few years ago that she’d be trading in her office chair and compliance folders for a pair of sneakers, a parachute, and a group of high-energy preschoolers, she might have laughed. As a seasoned Early Childhood Educator and a former Centre Director, Jen was no stranger to the hustle and bustle of the "little people" world. But there’s a big difference between overseeing a centre from the director’s desk and being right there on the court, watching a three-year-old master their first kick.
Today, Jen is the proud owner of the Ready Steady Go Kids franchise in the Shellharbour region, and she hasn't looked back. Her journey is a masterclass in following your passion, finding that elusive work-life balance, and realising that sometimes, the best office has no walls (and a lot of colourful equipment).
The "A-Ha" Moment: From Director to Franchisee
Jen’s introduction to Ready Steady Go Kids wasn't a random Google search. In her previous life as a Centre Director, she had seen the program in action. She watched as external coaches came into her centre, transforming the playground into a hub of coordination and confidence.
“I was already familiar with the program and had seen how engaging it was for young children,” Jen explains. “I really valued the multi-sport focus. It keeps children interested and motivated, developing a wide range of skills rather than just drilling one sport over and over.”
While she loved her role in early childhood education, the itch to build something of her own was growing. She wanted to stay within her "passion zone", working with kids and movement, but she wanted the autonomy of business ownership. The idea of a Kids activity franchise started to look less like a daydream and more like a career plan. She knew the RSGK brand was the "real deal," and when the opportunity to take over the Shellharbour region came up, she took the leap.
Why the "Franchise" Path Was the Right Move
Starting a business from scratch is a bit like trying to teach a toddler how to tie their shoes while you’re wearing boxing gloves, it’s messy, frustrating, and takes a lot longer than you think. For Jen, franchising offered a shortcut to success.
“It allowed me to use my early childhood background, leadership experience, and organisational skills in a different way,” she says. “I could build something of my own while becoming part of a well-established and supportive network.”
In the world of Sports Franchising, having a proven blueprint is everything. Jen didn’t have to reinvent the wheel (or the soccer ball). Instead, she could focus on what she does best: connecting with families and helping kids grow. The support from Head Office meant she was never truly alone, even when she was navigating the ups and downs of a new business.
The Heart of the Program: The "Look at Me, Dad!" Moment
We often talk about "school readiness" or "gross motor skills," but for Jen, the true impact of her work is found in the small, quiet victories. She recalls one particular little boy who joined her classes during her early days in Shellharbour.
When he first started, the environment was overwhelming. He would cry, cling to his dad’s leg, and refuse to step onto the court. It was a classic case of the "first-term jitters," and Jen knew exactly how to handle it. With patience, reassurance, and a few high-fives from our mascot characters, the transformation began.
“Slowly, his confidence started to grow,” Jen says. “He began participating more, separating from his dad more easily, and actually trying the activities.”
Fast forward three terms: that same boy is now in the older age group. During a recent circuit, he didn’t just participate, he owned the room. “He ran past his dad, who was sitting on the sidelines, and confidently called out, ‘Hi Dad, look at me!’” Jen shares. “That moment really summed up why I love what I do. Seeing that growth in independence and pride is incredibly rewarding.”
It’s not just about teaching a child how to hold a hockey stick; it’s about teaching them that they can do hard things.
The RSGK Difference: More Than Just Sport
So, what makes Ready Steady Go Kids stand out in a sea of extracurricular activities? According to Jen, it’s the secret sauce of variety and personality.
- The Multi-Sport Approach: Most programs focus on one thing. But at RSGK, we cover 10 different sports! This keeps the boredom at bay and ensures kids develop a holistic range of physical skills.
- The Characters: You can’t talk about RSGK without mentioning Keiko, Speedy, Rocket, and Giggles. These characters turn a drill into a story, making the learning process fun and memorable.
- Life Skills: Beyond the physical, Jen’s classes focus on "soft skills", listening, following instructions, teamwork, and waiting for a turn. These are the building blocks for school success.
Jen notes that the strong brand awareness of Ready Steady Go Kids gives families immediate confidence.
Life Outside the Whistle: Getting to Know Jen
While Jen is a powerhouse on the sports courts, she’s also got a pretty vibrant life when the equipment is packed away. Originally a Victorian girl, Jen is a lifelong AFL fan, and her loyalty is set in stone: Go the Pies!! (We won’t hold that against her... mostly).
After spending much of her adult life in Queensland and NSW, she’s found her home in the beautiful Shellharbour area. For Jen, family is the centre of her universe. She’s been married to her childhood sweetheart for years, has two adult daughters, and in 2024, she reached a major life milestone: becoming a Nanna!
But wait, there’s more! To really understand Jen, you have to appreciate her "fun facts":
- The Academic Long-Haul: Jen holds the record for persistence, she graduated from university 25 years after she first enrolled! No, she wasn’t the world’s slowest learner; life just had a way of getting in the middle of her studies.
- The One-Handed Juggler: She can juggle with one hand... though she’s the first to admit she’s not exactly ready for the circus.
- The Tone-Deaf Songstress: She loves to sing at the top of her lungs, despite her own admission that she can’t hold a tune to save her life. (We suspect the preschoolers don’t mind at all!)
- The Golfer Cat: She once had a cat named after a famous golfer: a choice she firmly blames on her husband.
A New Lease on Life: The Perks of Ownership
Owning a franchise hasn’t just changed Jen’s career; it’s changed her lifestyle. The work-life balance she enjoys now is a far cry from the high-pressure environment of being a Centre Director.
“It has given me a strong sense of fulfilment,” Jen says. “I love that it connects me with families in my local area, but also with a wider network of franchisees. Even my family and my coaches’ families who live interstate feel involved through social media. It feels like a truly connected community.”
For anyone sitting in an office right now, staring at a spreadsheet and wondering if there’s more to life, Jen has two simple words of advice regarding starting your own RSGK journey:
“Do it.”
If you have a passion for kids, a love for your local community, and a desire to run your own show with the backup of an established program, then this might just be the best "play" you ever make.
Join the Fun in Shellharbour!
Are you in the Shellharbour area and looking for a way to boost your child’s confidence and coordination? Jen and her team are ready to welcome you to the family. Whether your little one is a budding AFL star (Pies fans especially welcome!) or just needs a bit of a push to find their "Hi Dad, look at me!" moment, Jen’s classes are the place to be.
As Jen has proven, life is much more fun when you’re moving. So, what are you waiting for? Ready, steady, go!
