Meet Janelle Smith, the Driving Force Behind RSGK Tasmania!

Janelle Smith is officially bringing the magic of Ready Steady Go Kids to Tasmania, and her journey from a dedicated "soccer mum" in Adelaide to a business owner in the Apple Isle is exactly the kind of inspiration we love to share. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a passion for public health meets the chaos and joy of toddler sports, Janelle’s story is your answer. She isn’t just running a business; she’s building a community, one high-energy class at a time.

The Adelaide Spark: Where the Ritual Began

Before Janelle was the driving force behind the Tasmanian expansion, she was a regular parent on the sidelines in South Australia. For Janelle and her husband, Saturday mornings weren’t just about getting her young son out of the house; they were about a cherished family ritual. Her son was enrolled in Ready Steady Go Kids classes in Adelaide, and for the Smith family, it was the highlight of the week.

Coming from a family that lived and breathed sport, the appeal of a sports franchise that focused on fun and fundamentals was immediate. "We just loved how much fun our son was having," Janelle recalls. "It was our fun weekly ritual, and we loved bringing the whole family along to watch him grow. The classes were the perfect mix, flexible enough for a two-year-old but structured enough to actually teach them something."

It was during those mornings on the sidelines, watching her son gain confidence and coordination, that the seed was planted. Little did she know that this "weekly ritual" would eventually become her full-time career.

A Relocation with a Purpose

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, and for Janelle, that curveball was a relocation to Tasmania. While moving states is always a big deal, Janelle had one very specific concern: her son’s favourite activity. When she realised that Ready Steady Go Kids wasn't yet established in the regions of Tasmania they were moving to, she didn’t just accept it, she decided to fix it.

"I found out that my son couldn’t continue his classes in Tassie," she says. "So, I figured I would fix that for him, and for every other child in Tasmania!"

This wasn't just a whim. Janelle’s decision to dive into the world of franchising was backed by a serious professional pedigree. With a background in Public Health and Health Promotion, she saw the RSGK program through a unique lens. She knew that the early years are the foundation for a lifetime of health, and she saw the potential to make a real impact on a community level.

Merging Public Health with Play

For Janelle, owning a kids activity franchise isn't just about teaching kids how to kick a ball or swing a bat. It’s a extension of her work in health promotion. By operating in the community at a foundational level, she is able to address health outcomes before kids even reach school age.

"It fits so well with my values," Janelle explains. "In public health, we talk a lot about early intervention. With RSGK, I get to actually deliver that intervention in a way that is fun, engaging, and accessible to everyone. Many children in Tasmania do not meet the gross motor milestones in Kindergarten, and I am proud to do my part to improve this."

By focusing on these milestones, Janelle is helping to ensure that Tassie kids are ready for the physical demands of school and life. It’s a mission that goes far beyond the sports field, aiming to improve the long-term health trajectory of the local community.

The Power of Partnership

Taking the leap into business ownership can be daunting, but Janelle didn’t have to do it alone. In a beautiful full-circle moment, she partnered up with the very same franchisee from South Australia whose classes her son had attended.

"We are so lucky to have Janelle on the team. She has truly taken the bull by the horns and really made a name for Ready Steady Go Kids in Tasmania and that is very inspirational!" says Danie O'Connor, Franchisor.

Having a business partner with 14 years of experience in the Ready Steady Go Kids network made the transition into franchising incredibly smooth. "I am incredibly grateful for that partnership," Janelle says. "Having someone who already knows the ropes and believes in the brand as much as I do meant I could focus on growing the Tasmanian presence with confidence."

This collaborative spirit is a hallmark of the wider RSGK network. Whether it’s support from Head Office or fellow franchisees cheering each other on, Janelle found that she was joining a family, not just a business.

Why RSGK is #MoreThanJustSport

If you ask Janelle what she loves most about the program, she’ll tell you it’s the "magic moments" that happen in class every day. While the program is built on a solid evidence base, developed with an understanding of child development and gross motor skills, it’s the emotional growth that Janelle finds most rewarding.

"I know it might seem corny, but we really are #morethanjustsport," she says. "We provide a safe space for all families. The benefits go beyond being able to score a try. We see children who start the term saying 'I can't' and finish the term yelling 'I did it!' at the top of their lungs. That confidence is something they take with them everywhere, into the classroom, onto the playground, and into their future friendships."

This focus on social skills and school readiness is what sets this kids franchise apart. It’s not just about producing the next star athlete; it’s about producing confident, coordinated, and happy children who love to move.

Balancing the "Tassie" Life: Winemakers, Netball, and Natural Wonders

Owning a franchise has also allowed Janelle to design a life that works for her family. Moving to Tasmania wasn't just about business; it was about lifestyle. With a husband who works as a winemaker (meaning he often travels for work), Janelle needed a career that offered flexibility without sacrificing fulfilment.

"Despite it being tough as a mother to still do it all, I get to drop off and pick up my son from school," she shares. "I get to attend 99% of his outside-of-school activities. I have control over how much I work and the time it takes to grow."

That flexibility has also allowed Janelle to rediscover her own love for sport. After years of shift work in her previous career, she is finally back on the netball court. "I love that I can role model an active lifestyle for my child. Playing netball again has been such a win for me."

When they aren't at the courts, the Smith family is busy exploring everything their new home has to offer. From the breathtaking heights of Mount Field National Park to the iconic white sands of the Bay of Fires, Janelle has embraced the Tasmanian landscape with open arms.

"Tasmania is absolutely beautiful," she says. "The landscape is incredible, and we love showing our family and friends around. Adelaide will always be home, but I am so grateful for the community we’ve found here."

Advice for Aspiring Franchisees

For anyone sitting on the fence about starting their own journey with a sports franchise, Janelle has some simple but powerful words of advice. She points to her favourite quote:

"What if I fall? Oh but darling, what if you fly!"

"Essentially, don't regret not giving it a go," Janelle encourages. "There is so much established already in Ready Steady Go Kids, and we have such an incredible brand. Even in 'little old Tassie,' people had already heard positive things from the mainland before we even opened our doors. If you believe in the program and you know how to have fun, it is all worth it!"

Janelle Smith is proof that when you follow your heart (and your son's favourite hobby), you can create something truly special. We are so proud to have her as the driving force behind our Tasmanian locations!