When sport doesn’t fit: how Thriving in Motion is helping Perth kids build confidence through movement
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When sport is a struggle
For many families, signing a child up for sport seems simple. But for children who struggle with coordination, anxiety, neurodivergence, chronic health conditions or social challenges, mainstream sport can quickly become overwhelming instead of enjoyable.
That’s where Thriving in Motion is trying to do things differently.
Founded in Western Australia by University of Western Australia Associate Professor and Senior Exercise Physiologist Bonnie Furzer, the not-for-profit organisation has spent the past 15 years helping children and teenagers who often fall through the cracks of traditional sport and exercise programs.
Now, the programme’s work has been recognised internationally in the prestigious British Journal of Sports Medicine.
“These are the kids mainstream sport often misses”
Associate Professor Furzer says the idea for Thriving in Motion came after repeatedly meeting families whose children wanted to participate in movement and exercise but simply could not access the right kind of support.
“In 2011 I started Thriving in Motion because I kept meeting families whose kids couldn’t engage with mainstream community sport, couldn’t afford private clinical exercise services, and whose only realistic option was a medical model that didn’t feel like childhood,” she says.
The service was originally created to support children experiencing barriers to physical activity, including those with neurodivergence, developmental delays, emotional or behavioural challenges, medical conditions, or difficulties participating in school and community sport.
Importantly, families do not need a diagnosis or referral to get involved.
That can be a huge relief for parents who may still be navigating waitlists, assessments or uncertainty around their child’s needs.
“If you are unsure if our service is for you please feel free to reach out to a member of our friendly team,” the organisation says.
Exercise that feels supportive, not clinical
One of the key differences families often notice about Thriving in Motion is that the programmes aim to feel more like positive childhood movement experiences rather than therapy sessions.
The journal article explains that many existing exercise services were heavily medicalised, expensive, or lacked the social and fun elements that children often need to stay engaged.
Associate Professor Furzer says that gap still exists today.
“The kids we work with are not those who mainstream sport reaches well, and ‘clinical’ exercise services are often over medicalised (‘another therapy’) and cost prohibitive,” she explains.
“That is why 15 years later we are still here doing what we do, trying to bridge that gap for children and families.”
Instead of expecting children to fit rigid sporting structures, Thriving in Motion adapts its programmes to suit the child.
The organisation offers:
1-on-1 sessions
Individual sessions tailored to the young person’s goals, developmental stage and interests. Progress is tracked using pre- and post-term assessments.
Fun Fitness
Small group sessions designed to support physical literacy, exercise enjoyment, confidence and social skills in an inclusive environment.
Be Active
Larger group sessions where children of mixed ages and abilities participate together while being matched based on goals and support needs.
Group Strength and Conditioning
Youth-focused gym and movement sessions that help young people build strength, confidence and movement literacy in a safe and supportive setting.
A strong focus on confidence and belonging
The newly published research paper outlines the programme’s “M.A.G.I.C” framework — a model developed alongside families to help children build motivation and confidence around movement.
M.A.G.I.C stands for:
- Motivation
- Autonomy
- Grit
- Interconnectedness
- Confidence
The framework draws on psychological theories including self-determination theory and self-efficacy theory to help children feel capable, supported and engaged in physical activity.
Associate Professor Furzer says the approach recognises that many children have already experienced feelings of failure or exclusion in traditional sporting environments.
Rather than focusing only on fitness outcomes, the programme aims to support social connection, confidence and enjoyment.
That matters because for many children, movement challenges are deeply connected to emotional wellbeing and self-esteem.
So many families are searching for physical options that suit their child
The published data paints a powerful picture of the families accessing the service.
According to the research:
- 80% of children entering the programme had at least one medical diagnosis
- 61% were neurodivergent
- 77% experienced social difficulties
- 75% scored in the clinical range on behavioural measures
- 96% of families said they would recommend the programme to others
These figures highlight how many families are searching for alternatives when mainstream sporting pathways are not working for their child.
Why physical literacy matters
The programme is built around the concept of physical literacy — the idea that being active is about much more than athletic skill.
The research explains that physical literacy includes physical, psychological, social and cognitive factors that shape a child’s willingness and confidence to participate in movement.
For some children, barriers to movement may include:
- Anxiety about joining group activities
- Coordination challenges
- Sensory sensitivities
- Difficulties understanding game rules
- Fear of failure
- Social communication differences
- Chronic pain or medical conditions
- Previous negative sporting experiences
Thriving in Motion aims to create an environment where children can participate safely while building confidence gradually over time.
Families help shape the program
Another key feature of the service is its strong emphasis on co-design and family involvement.
The organisation works closely with parents and young people through Parent Advisory Groups, Youth Advisory Groups, feedback surveys and ongoing conversations.
That means programmes continue evolving based on the real experiences of families.
The article also notes that instructors combine evidence-based exercise approaches with youth-centred care, tailoring activities to each child’s strengths, interests and goals.
For many parents, that individualised and strengths-focused approach can feel very different from environments where children are expected to simply “keep up”.
Accessible support across Perth
Thriving in Motion operates across several metropolitan Perth locations, including:
- Craigie
- Mount Hawthorn
- Crawley
- Coolbellup
The organisation currently has appointments available within a fortnight.
Importantly, no diagnosis or referral is required to attend sessions, making the service more accessible for families who may still be seeking answers or waiting for assessments.
The programme also works hard to keep services financially accessible through grants, philanthropy and community partnerships.
Associate Professor Furzer acknowledges that community support has played a major role in helping the service continue.
“We’re honest in the paper about what this model relies on,” she says.
“A moderate to high-SES setting, philanthropic infrastructure, and community partners who give us in-kind facility access. None of that is a given.”
Practical info
Business name: Thriving in Motion
Locations: Craigie, Mount Hawthorn, Crawley, Coolbellup
Referral: no referral or formal diagnosis required
Updates on availability: https://perthkidshub.com.au/listing/thriving-in-motion/
Website: https://www.thrivinginmotion.org/
Contact
Email: hello@thrivinginmotion.org
