Youth athlete transformation before and after running technique coaching ages 8-16
Discover The Play Series

Help Your Child Excel In Their Sport

Online running technique coaching for young athletes (ages 8-16). → One-on-One Youth Running Coaching

→ Small Group Virtual Sessions

→ The Play Series Programs

→ Injury Prevention Coaching

Melbourne's Youth Sports Performance Specialist | Ages 8-16 | Play Easier • Play Faster • Play Stronger

See The Transformation

Bowie, age 9, improved his soccer performance in just 1 hour with Play Faster!

Why Parents Choose Natural Born Running

🎯 Ages 8-16 Specialized

Age-appropriate coaching designed specifically for developing young athletes, not scaled-down adult programs.

🛡️ Injury Prevention Focus

Teach proper movement patterns NOW to prevent the injuries that plague athletes later. Build resilience for life.

Multi-Sport Benefits

Whether they play football, basketball, athletics, or any sport - running technique is the foundation of ALL athletic performance.

📍 Melbourne Expertise

Local knowledge with global reach. Join families across Australia transforming their kids' athletic development.

👩‍👦 Parent-Friendly

Coach your child at home with follow-along videos and expert guidance. No fancy equipment needed.

🤝 Ongoing Support

Private community, expert coaching, and parent education included. You're never alone on this journey.

The Play Series: Three Pathways For Young Athletes

Choose the right starting point for your child's development, or progress through all three as they grow.

Play Easier youth running program for kids ages 8-12 Melbourne

Build Movement Confidence & Prevent Injury

Perfect for young athletes just starting their sports journey or those recovering from injury. Learn the fundamentals of natural movement.

Key Benefits:

  • Proper running technique fundamentals
  • Movement assessment & correction
  • Foundation strength & mobility
  • Parent coaching guide included
  • Injury-proofing for developing bodies

Ideal For:

Ages 8-12, beginners, injury prevention, building confidence

Learn More
Play Faster speed training program for young athletes ages 10-16

Unlock Speed, Power & Agility

*Most Popular

For young athletes ready to take their game to the next level. Develop explosive speed and change-of-direction ability.

Key Benefits:

  • Acceleration mechanics & sprint technique
  • Agility & change of direction training
  • Sport-specific speed development
  • Performance testing & tracking
  • Power development for young athletes

Ideal For:

Ages 10-16, competitive athletes, speed development, sports performance

Play Stronger youth strength training program ages 12-16

Build Strength, Durability & Long-Term Health

Develop the strength and resilience that keeps young athletes healthy and performing at their best year after year.

Key Benefits:

  • Age-appropriate strength training
  • Injury prevention protocols
  • Movement durability & resilience
  • Progressive development system
  • Long-term athletic development

Ideal For:

Ages 12-16, serious athletes, injury history, long-term development

Choose Your Path to Athletic Excellence.

Individual Programs


Start with what you need most
→ Play Easier (Ages 8-12): $199
→ Play Faster (Ages 10-16): $299
→ Play Stronger (Ages 12-16): $399

Perfect for:

Specific needs, trying first program

Compare Programs

Complete Bundle


*Best Value* - Save $298

All 3 Programs: $599
(Individual value: $897)

Perfect for: Multiple kids, complete development, maximum flexibility

Melbourne In-Person
Hands-on coaching


From $150/session
Packages from $500

Perfect for: Local families, personalized attention, immediate feedback

Youth Running Coaching

Our Youth Coaching Services

[One-on-One Coaching]
Personalized virtual sessions for ages 8-16
[Group Programs]
Virtual running club and small group sessions
[The Play Series]
Self-paced programs: Easier, Faster, Stronger
[Injury Prevention]
Assessment and technique correction
[View All Services →]

What Parents Are Saying

"Mick has been amazing with my 10 year old son’s recovery. Thanks to him, my son is running comfortably and smoothly again - appreciate his care and support."

- Joel B, Parent of 10 year old soccer player

"Mick is very knowledgeable and fantastic to work with! After just one lesson, my 15 year old daughters running improved dramatically. Highly recommended 🌟"

- Nevenka L, Parent of 15 year old soccer player

"I’ve done 2 running analysis sessions with Mick and have been so much better for them. Has fixed my running immensely and made me so much more effective on the pitch! Recommend to any athlete"

- Felix D, 16 year old rugby player

Free Resources To Get Started Today

Not ready to commit? Start with our free training resources and see the NBR difference for yourself.

⚖️ Free Balance & Posture Drills

3 simple exercises you can start with your child today. Build the foundation of athletic movement in just 10 minutes.

👩‍👦 31-Day Parent Insights

Daily emails with practical tips for supporting your young athlete. Movement, mindset, nutrition, and development guidance.

🦶 Stride Strong

Free 28-day foot and lower body strength program. Build the foundation that prevents injuries and unlocks athletic performance.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We've got A's for your Q's

What ages are the programs designed for?

The Play Series is specifically designed for athletes aged 8-16, with age-appropriate progressions and modifications. We understand growing bodies have different needs than adults.

Does my child need to be a "runner" to benefit?

Absolutely not! These programs help ANY young athlete. Whether they play football, basketball, athletics, netball, or any sport - running technique is fundamental to all movement and performance.

Can I coach my child at home?

Yes! All programs include parent coaching guides and follow-along videos. No fancy equipment or facilities needed - just a willingness to invest in your child's development.

What if my child has had sports injuries?

Our injury prevention focus is perfect for young athletes with injury history. We teach proper movement patterns that protect developing bodies and reduce re-injury risk. Play Stronger is specifically designed for this.  

How long does each program take?

Programs are flexible to fit your family's schedule. Most families spend 20-30 minutes, 3-4 times per week. The key is consistency, not marathon training sessions.  

Will this conflict with their current sport training?

Not at all! The Play Series ENHANCES their current sport by building better movement foundations. Think of it as the "cross-training" that makes them better at everything they do.  

What's included with the programs?

Each program includes: video coaching, parent guides, progressive training plans, access to our private community, direct coaching support, and ongoing updates. Plus all our lead magnets and resources.  

Are you Melbourne-based only?

While we're based in Melbourne, all our programs are available online to families anywhere in Australia (and globally). Local Melbourne families can access in-person workshops too.  

Youth Running Coaching

Ready To Transform Your Child's Athletic Development?

Join hundreds of Melbourne families giving their kids the movement education that schools and clubs don't teach.

Explore Play Series Program

100% Money-Back Guarantee | If You Don't See Significant Changes In Your Child's Performance, Simply Ask For Your Money Back | Join Risk-Free

"I can't give back the years I lost to injury. But I can prevent your child from losing theirs."