Build Mentally Tough Kids Through Movement

The confidence, resilience and courage your child needs to perform under pressure—and handle everything else life throws at them.

See How It Works

For families with kids ages 8-16. Whether they're anxious, hesitant, or already athletic but mentally fragile—we build the inner strength that changes everything.

Melbourne's Youth Confidence & Performance Specialist | Ages 8-16

See The Transformation

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

Why Parents Choose Natural Born Running

🧠 Mental Toughness First

We don't just teach movement—we build the psychological strength that helps kids perform under pressure, try hard things, and bounce back from setbacks.

👨‍👩‍👧 Parent-Coached at Home

You become your child's confidence coach. Follow-along videos, parent guides, and a community of families on the same journey. No fancy equipment needed.

🎯 Confidence Through Competence

Your child doesn't need more pep talks. They need to master something real. Physical skills they can see and feel build confidence that transfers everywhere.

📍 Melbourne-Based, Online Delivery

Created by a Melbourne youth specialist with in-person and online options. Join hundreds of Australian families building resilient kids.

Works Across All Sports

Football, basketball, athletics, netball—running is the foundation of all movement. Mental toughness built here shows up in every game and practice.

🛡️ Ages 8-16 Specialized

Designed specifically for developing minds and bodies—not watered-down adult programs. We understand how kids learn, struggle, and grow.

Three Pathways to Build Confident, Resilient Kids

Start where your child needs it most. Each program builds mental toughness through physical mastery.

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

Build Confidence & Foundation

For kids who hesitate, hold back, or need to build belief in themselves. 7 movement standards that create the competence-based confidence every child deserves

Key Benefits:

  • Confidence through movement mastery
  • Parent coaching system included
  • Foundation for all sports
  • Resilience that transfers to life
  • Self-correction tools they own forever

Ideal For:

Ages 8-12, hesitant kids, confidence building, getting started

Start Building Confidence
Play Faster speed training program for young athletes ages 10-16

Build Speed & Mental Edge

*Most Popular

For young athletes ready to compete. Develop the explosive speed AND mental toughness to perform when it matters most.

Key Benefits:

  • Speed & acceleration mechanics
  • Mental skills for competition
  • Sport-specific performance
  • Handling pressure situations
  • Power & agility development

Ideal For:

Ages 10-16, competitive athletes, game-day performance

Play Stronger youth strength training program ages 12-16

Build Durability & Long-Term Success

For serious athletes building for the long haul. Prevent the injuries that end careers and develop sustainable strength.

Key Benefits:

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

Ideal For:

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

Choose Your Path to Athletic Excellence.

Individual Programs


Start with what your child needs most
→ Play Easier (Ages 8-12): $199 - Best for building confidence
→ Play Faster (Ages 10-16): $299 - Best for competitive athletes
→ Play Stronger (Ages 12-16): $399 - Best for injury prevention

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

Schools & Clubs

Bring professional workshops to your athletes
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 Experiencing

"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

"Mick’s work with my 18yo son has been nothing short of amazing.
I am incredibly grateful for the care and expertise provided by Mick, particularly after trying a variety of other specialists.
Mick’s work has made a significant difference to my son’s physical wellbeing, helping him manage and overcome ongoing physical ailments while also greatly improving his running technique. His knowledge, attention to detail, and genuine commitment to understanding my son’s individual needs have been outstanding. Each session was professional, supportive and effective and I highly recommend Mick to anyone seeking a skilled and compassionate myotherapist, especially for young athletes
."

- Grant F, Parent of 18 year old cricket player

Start Building Confidence Today - FREE

Not sure where to begin? These free resources give you a taste of what's possible.

⚖️ Free Confidence Starter Kit

3 simple exercises that build body awareness and self-trust. Do them with your child in just 10 minutes.

👩‍👦 31-Day Parent Coaching Series

Daily emails showing you how to become your child's confidence coach. Movement, mindset, and practical strategies.

🦶 Stride Strong Foundation

Free 28-day program building the physical foundation that supports mental toughness.

Popular Resource

[Why Your Child's Running Injuries Keep Coming Back →]

The complete guide for parents dealing with recurring sports injuries in young athletes ages 8-16.

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.  

Will this help if my child lacks confidence?

Absolutely—this is exactly what Play Easier is designed for. We build confidence through competence. When your child masters real physical skills, they develop belief in themselves that transfers far beyond running.  

My child is already athletic but struggles mentally. Will this help?

Yes. Many kids have the physical ability but fall apart under pressure. Our approach builds mental toughness through movement mastery—so they have tools to handle competition, setbacks, and high-stakes moments.

Youth Running Coaching

Ready to Build a More Confident, Resilient Child?

Join hundreds of Melbourne families who've discovered that movement mastery builds the mental toughness schools and clubs can't teach.

Start WIth Play Easier

100% Money-Back Guarantee | If you don't see meaningful change in your child's confidence and willingness to try hard things, simply ask for your money back. Zero risk.

"I can't give back the years I lost to injury. But I can give your child something I wish I'd had: the confidence and resilience to handle whatever comes next."

- Coach Mick