What do X-rays and high-fives have in common? For Tina, our newest franchise owner, they represent a life-changing career pivot from the hospital ward to the sporting court! We are absolutely thrilled to introduce Tina as the driving force behind the brand-new Ready Steady Go Kids territories in Strathfield & Bankstown.

If you’ve been looking for a way to get your little ones active, building confidence, and having a blast in the Inner West or South West Sydney, you’re in for a treat. Tina isn’t just bringing a sports franchise to the area; she’s bringing a career’s worth of passion for children’s health and a deep-rooted love for her local community.

A Career Shift with Heart: From Radiography to the Coach's Uniform

For the last seven years, Tina has seen the world through a different lens, literally. As a professional radiographer, including a significant tenure at The Children’s Hospital, Tina has dedicated her professional life to the health and well-being of families. But while she loved helping people in a clinical setting, she felt a calling to impact children’s lives in a more proactive, energetic, and preventative way.

"Health is something I’ve always been passionate about," Tina explains. "Working at The Children’s Hospital, you see firsthand how important it is to contribute to bettering a child’s experience. Transitioning into a Kids activity franchise felt like a natural extension of that mission. It’s still about health and development, but now it’s through the joy of movement and play!"

Tina’s journey into franchising didn’t happen overnight. It started with a simple recommendation from a colleague who couldn’t stop raving about the Ready Steady Go Kids program. Curiosity led Tina to look into the RSGK philosophy, and she was immediately hooked by our approach to enriching children’s learning and wellbeing through sport.

Why RSGK Was the Perfect "Match"

When exploring business opportunities, Tina knew she wanted something that aligned with her personal values. She wasn’t just looking for a job; she was looking for a way to combine her passion for staying active with her extensive experience working with children.

"I chose RSGK over other businesses because it’s so rewarding to see children improve and become better versions of themselves," says Tina. "I’ve always had a strong passion for sport, so combining that with my background felt like the perfect fit."

The multi-sport nature of the RSGK program was a major drawcard. Unlike other programs that focus on just one skill set, RSGK introduces children to 10 different sports over two terms. This variety ensures that children develop a broad range of gross motor skills while staying engaged and excited every single week. Whether it’s soccer, tennis, or T-ball, the goal is to make every child feel comfortable, capable, and positive about being active.

Bringing it Back to the Roots: Punchbowl to Strathfield

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Tina’s new venture is her connection to the region. Born and raised in Punchbowl, Tina knows the Strathfield and Bankstown regions like the back of her hand. Growing up, she noticed a distinct lack of structured, high-quality developmental sports programs for toddlers and preschoolers in her neighbourhood.

"There was nothing like RSGK when I was growing up here," Tina reflects. "Bringing this program to my local community means every child is now given the opportunity to participate. It’s about giving back to the place that raised me."

By launching weekend classes in Greenacre in Term 2, Tina has found the perfect middle ground to serve both the Strathfield and Bankstown regions. This strategic location allows her to reach families across a broad area, ensuring that more children have access to the developmental benefits that RSGK provides.

The Vision: Building a Community, One Smile at a Time

Tina isn't just stopping at weekend classes. Her vision for the next 12 months is ambitious and community-focused. She plans to:

• Expand Class Availability: Ensuring there are plenty of time slots to suit busy modern families.
• Partner with Early Learning Centres (ELCs): Bringing the RSGK magic directly to local childcare centres in Strathfield and Bankstown.
• Increase Brand Awareness: Making sure every parent in the area knows there’s a fun, safe place for their kids to grow.

"I’m most looking forward to meeting the children and their parents," Tina says with a smile. "I want them to leave class with huge smiles on their faces. If they’re happy, I know I’ve done a good job."

For many new business owners, the transition from a clinical background to running a sports franchise might seem daunting. However, Tina credits the RSGK support system for making the leap feel seamless. "Coming from a background with no experience in business, the team showed me the ropes. The onboarding and support so far have given me the confidence to grow this business from the ground up."

Achieving That Elusive Work-Life Balance

While Tina is driven by her professional goals, the move into franchising also offers her something her previous career couldn't: a better work-life balance.

In the medical field, shifts can be long and unpredictable. Owning an RSGK franchise allows Tina to be the master of her own schedule. This is particularly important for someone who values family as much as she does. As the youngest of four, Tina is a proud aunt to four nieces and nephews.

"I love spending time with them because they let me join in on their fun: it makes me feel like a kid again!" Tina shares. This personal connection to the joy of childhood is exactly what makes her such a fantastic mentor for the children in her classes.

A Fun Fact (and a Medical Mystery!)

We couldn't introduce Tina without sharing a little quirk that makes her unique. Despite her years of medical training and her passion for health, Tina has a bit of a biological mystery: she has absolutely no knee-jerk reaction!

"Even though I worked in health for years, I’ve never found out why!" she laughs. It might mean she’s a bit of a medical marvel, but when it comes to her business, her reflexes are sharp, and her heart is 100% in the game.

Join Tina on the Court!

If you’re in the Greenacre area, there has never been a better time to get involved with Ready Steady Go Kids. Tina’s energy is infectious, her background in children's health is unparalleled, and her dedication to her local community is truly inspiring.

Tina is proof that when you combine a passion for health with a love for the community, amazing things happen. Franchisor, Danie O'Connor adds "We are so proud to have Tina as part of the Ready Steady Go Kids family, and we can't wait to see the positive impact she makes in Greenacre and beyond."

Welcome to the team, Tina! Let’s get those high-fives ready!