More Than Just Sport: Stefan Longo’s Full-Circle Journey to the Macedon Ranges

Stefan Longo has officially brought his high-energy coaching style and clinical expertise to the Macedon Ranges VIC, marking an incredible full-circle moment in his career with Ready Steady Go Kids. For those who know him, this isn’t just a business venture: it is the culmination of a decade spent understanding how movement, connection, and resilience shape the lives of young children.

From a Naive Teenager to a Global Coach

Stefan’s journey with Ready Steady Go Kids started long before he considered the world of franchising. At just 19 years old, he walked onto the courts as a coach for one of our largest Franchisees. By his own admission, he was a "naive" teenager who simply loved sports and knew that an active childhood was the foundation for a healthy life. However, working with toddlers and preschoolers was a brand-new ballgame.

"I had never worked with kids this young before," Stefan recalls. "It took me a while to truly understand what I had actually gotten myself into!"

But what started as a university job quickly turned into a passion. Stefan realised that coaching wasn't just about teaching a child how to kick a ball or swing a bat; it was about the fundamental development of the human being. This realisation sparked a curiosity that would eventually take him halfway across the world.

The China Connection and the "Get Ready" Program

At 21, Stefan took a massive leap of faith. Having never even left Victoria before, he packed his bags and moved to China to work as a coach for Ready Steady Go Kids internationally. This was a period of immense personal and professional growth. He wasn’t just coaching; he was navigating a new culture and seeing firsthand how the universal language of sport could bridge gaps.

He loved the experience so much that he returned to China two years later to implement the then newly developed "Get Ready" program. This specialised initiative, designed to assist children with additional needs and focus on developmental milestones, became a cornerstone of Stefan’s philosophy. It was here that the seeds of his future career were truly sown.

The Transition to Occupational Therapy

When the global pandemic brought the world to a standstill, Stefan found himself at a crossroads. Inspired by the work of his Franchise Owner (also a Paediatric Occupational Therapist), who had developed the RSGK "Get Ready" program, Stefan decided to dive deeper into the science of child development. He enrolled in an Occupational Therapy (OT) degree with the specific goal of also becoming a Paediatric OT.

As his OT career began to take off, he thought his time at the courts had come to an end. "The start of my OT career signaled the end of my time at RSGK," he says. "I cried at the end of every one of my classes. Some roles are career-defining, and some are person-defining. I just couldn’t shake the feeling that I had to get back on the courts. Being a coach is who I am."

The pull of the Sports Franchise world was too strong to ignore. When his RSGK Franchise boss reached out, looking for an experienced coach to mentor their younger staff, Stefan didn’t just put a foot back in the door: he kicked it wide open. Those conversations naturally evolved into the opportunity to own his own**** franchise, and the Macedon Ranges was the perfect place to start his new chapter.

Why Ready Steady Go Kids is Different

With his background in Occupational Therapy, Stefan views our program through a unique lens. While many see a Kids Franchise as a place for physical play, Stefan sees it as a vital training ground for life.

"We are more than just sport," Stefan explains. "This program develops school readiness skills. If you want to know what your kid will be like in a classroom, send them to RSGK. If you want to know whether your child can co-regulate with you amongst the chaos, or what their sensory triggers might be, send them to our classes."

At Ready Steady Go Kids, we focus on:

• Co-regulation: Learning how to manage emotions in a busy environment.
• Social Skills: Making friendships, following instructions, and answering questions.
• Independence: Making decisions and understanding personal needs like thirst and toileting.
• Mindset: Reframing failure as a learning opportunity.

Stefan is particularly passionate about building resilience. He notes that many children today struggle with social anxiety or the fear of failing. By focusing on the effort rather than the result, Stefan and his team help children "bounce back" and develop a mindset that values "having a go" above all else.

The Power of Connection

For Stefan, the "magic moments" in class aren't necessarily the perfect goals or the fastest sprints: they are the moments of connection. Whether it’s a high-five, a laugh, or a personalised shout-out during a song, these small interactions build a sense of safety and security.

"We give them one minute of our time to help them improve their swing, but in that minute, they learn to trust the process," Stefan says. This trust is what allows children to thrive, not just in his Gisborne & Romsey locations, but across every court in the country.

Life as a Franchise Owner

Transitioning from a coach to a business owner has been a steep learning curve for Stefan. He admits that he was never someone particularly interested in the "business" side of things: money management, advertising, and brand growth were all new territories. However, he has embraced the challenge with the same enthusiasm he brings to the court.

Currently, Stefan balances a busy six-day work week, spending four days as a Paediatric OT and two days running his RSGK classes. While some might struggle with that schedule, Stefan finds it incredibly fulfilling.

"I wouldn’t say I have a perfect work-life balance right now," he laughs, "but I can say with my whole heart that I absolutely love what I do. It doesn't really feel like work when you get to be a kid yourself and have fun with the little superstars every day."

The support from the RSGK Head Office has been a vital part of his transition. Stefan describes the network as "unreal" and highly process-driven, ensuring that every franchise owner has the tools to maintain the brand’s powerhouse status. From the annual conferences where ideas are shared to the readily available advice from fellow owners, Stefan has never felt alone in his journey.

A Word from the Franchisor

Danie O’Connor, RSGK Franchisor, has watched Stefan’s growth with immense pride.

"Stefan’s journey is a testament to what happens when passion meets professional dedication. Watching him evolve from a young coach to a specialist in Paediatric OT, and now to a business owner in the Macedon Ranges, has been incredible. He doesn't just teach sports; he understands the 'why' behind every movement. We are so lucky to have his expertise in our network."

Get to Know Stefan Outside the Court

When he isn’t helping kids reach their developmental milestones or working in the OT clinic, Stefan is a self-confessed sports nut. He plays everything from footy and basketball to tennis, volleyball, and the ever-popular pickleball.

He is a die-hard Collingwood supporter, but he’s quick to clear up any misconceptions: "Don't let the stereotypes fool you, I'm actually really nice!"

Stefan lives with his partner, Kiara, and their two high-energy kelpies, Santi and Lulu. The kelpies share Stefan’s love for activity, though their version of "sport" usually involves endless games of fetch and tug-of-war. Stefan and Kiara also love traveling overseas and taking day trips across Victoria.

And for a fun fact? Stefan is a bit of a food challenge legend. He once conquered a 1kg chicken parma: an feat he describes as "tough but done." When it's time to wind down, you’ll find him working on a puzzle or re-watching classic sitcoms like The Office and Brooklyn 99.

Join the Journey

If you are in the Macedon Ranges and looking for an activity that is "more than just sport," Stefan and his team are ready to welcome you. Our structured program is designed to give your child the best possible start in life, combining physical activity with essential developmental skills.

For those considering their own path into franchising, Stefan’s advice is simple: "Do it. If you have a passion for RSGK, kids, and sport, you will smash it. If you know how to coach and how to connect, the rest will follow."